A new air link between Manchester and Derry has celebrated its inaugural departure.
Loganair will operate flights between the two cities six days a week, covering weekdays and weekends, operated by the airline’s fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets, and with flight-times of just 70 minutes.
The route will give customers from the North West of England the opportunity to travel to the unique, walled city – a former UK City of Culture, famous for its fantastic nightlife, historical attractions, engaging museums and nearby championship golf-courses.
Notably, the City of Derry is also located nearest to some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular filming locations for the hit series, Game of Thrones.
Loganair has a long history of service at City of Derry Airport, and was the first airline to fly commercial services from the airport in April 1979.
Regular flyers are also eligible to join the airline’s loyalty programme, Clan Loganair, which rewards frequent customers with points for each journey which can then be exchanged for free-of-charge flights.
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Managing Director, said: “These new air services offer a fantastic gateway for our customers in the North West to reach Derry, whether for business, to visit family and friends, or simply to explore everything that Northern Ireland has to offer visitors.
“It is evident from the fact that our very first flight is completely full, that the new route is being well received in the North West and we’re confident the air link is welcome news to those living in and around the Manchester region.
“We’re also pleased to expand our destination map from Manchester, with customers now able to book services from the city to nine destinations across the UK and Europe.”
Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re delighted to see Loganair expanding their presence here with the launch of this new route to Derry. It’s a fantastic city to explore and one that I’m sure will prove hugely popular with our passengers.”
