Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has awarded Hebridean Air Services the contract to operate the Benbecula to Stornoway air service.
Until now Loganair has been a long term operator of the link, often being the sole bidder.
But the service was reduced over the years due to rising costs.
As reported by Hebrides News last week, Hebridean Air Services will operate flights three days a week with passengers able to book return flights on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Passengers will travel onboard the firm’s eight-
While considerably smaller than the aircraft currently provided, it suits the operational passenger loads better and makes the routes viable due to the decreased operating costs.
The aircraft is a tried and trusted utility aircraft used throughout the world on a number of dedicated Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts where passenger numbers are lower due to smaller island populations.
Hebridean Air Services has been in existence for many years and was acquired by Airtask in 2016.
It operates scheduled service fights to the islands of Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay under an agreement with Argyll and Bute Council.
Airtask Group has a contract with Shetland Council for its inter-
It currently operates ten aircraft, ranging from a DA42 to the BAE 146-
The company flies two fisheries patrol aircraft out of Inverness on behalf of the Scottish Government.
They also operate Cessna 406 planes from Benbecula Airport when required for missile firing range clearance duties around the South Uist rocket range.
Tickets for the Benbecula flights will soon be available through the airline’s website.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is meeting with representatives from Hebridean Air Services in Stornoway this week in anticipation of contract starting as soon as feasible after 1 April.
The comhairle will work closely with the airline to communicate publicly any potential service disruption during the transitionary period.
Cllr Uisdean Robertson, said: “The news that the service between Benbecula and Stornoway will continue to operate is welcome.
“The service is important to our communities particularly for the transportation of NHS patients.
“The fact that this is a four-
Julie Simper, Managing Director of Hebridean Air Services, said: “Naturally we are delighted to be awarded the contract.
“Having operated two PSO services for some time we understand the criticality of the routes to be served and understand that the needs of the travellers must be the highest priority.
“We are currently concentrating our efforts on getting everything in place in order to commence a reliable service to fulfil the routes as soon as feasibly practicable.”
Loganair stopped accepting bookings for the service beyond 28 March and had declined to comment on the route when previously approached by Hebrides News.
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