Category Archives: Flybe-Loganair

Airlines and airline brands we lost in 2017

Note – Our list also includes name changes and ownership changes.

Adria Swizterland (Darwin Airline) – Ceased operations on November 28, 2017 and was declared to be insolvent on December 12, 2017 and was liquidated.

Copyright Photo Above: Adria Switzerland SAAB 2000 HB-IYD (msn 059) (Etihad Regional colors) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 939524.

Aeropostal (Alas de Venezuela) – The long-time airline of Venezuela ceased all operations on September 24, 2017 due to the on-going financial situation in the country.

Above Copyright Photo: Aeropostal (Venezuela) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 YV137T (msn 47771) CCS (Orlando Jose Suarez). Image: 905671.

Air Carnival – The short-lived Indian carrier shut its doors and ceased operations with its single ATR 72-500 on April 5, 2017.

Above Photo: Air Carnival (India) ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) M-IBAI (VT-CMA) (msn 767) (Air Carnival). Image: 940401.

Air Costa – The Indian airline suspended operations on February 28, 2017.

Photo Above: Air Costa.

Air India Regional – Reverted back to its original name of Alliance Air in March 2017. The airline continues operations under the Alliance Air (Air India) brand.

Above Copyright Photo: Air India Regional ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEZ (VT-AIT) (msn 1226) TLS (Olivier Gregoire). Image: (26253.

Airberlin (Air Berlin) – AB filed for insolvency on August 15, 2017 and ceased all operations on October 27, 2017 after Etihad Airways announced it would no longer financially support the carrier. AB was the second largest scheduled passenger airline in Germany.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) Airbus A330-322 D-AERQ (msn 127) JFK (Ken Petersen). Image: 900466.

Belair (Airberlin) – Belair, like Airberlin, shut down and ceased all operations on October 28, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) (Belair Airlines) Airbus A321-211 WL HB-JOV (msn 6629) BSL (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 938111.

Bluebird Cargo – Became Bluebird Nordic in 2017 as a brand and name change only.

Above Copyright Photo: Bluebird Cargo Boeing 737-36E (F) TF-BBF (msn 25264) CDG (Christian Volpati). Image: 913697.

Borajet Airlines – Suspended operations on April 24, 2017. The carrier has hopes to return in 2018 but its aircraft were seized.

Above Copyright Photo: Borajet Airlines Embraer ERJ 190-200LR (ERJ 195) TC-YAU (msn 19000088) ZRH (Andi Hiltl). Image: 935050.

Eastern Air Lines (2nd) – The second version using the famous name had its AOC cancelled. The last revenue flight was operated on September 14, 2017 although one Boeing 737-800 (N277EA) operated by Swift Air still carries Eastern titles.

Above Copyright Photo: Eastern Air Lines (2nd) Boeing 737-8AL WL N276EA (msn 35070) MIA (Jay Selman). Image: 403415.

Etihad Regional (Darwin Airline) – Became Adria Swizterland in July 2017 when Etihad Airways withdrew its financial support.

Above Copyright Photo: Etihad Regional-Darwin Airline ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) HB-ACB (msn 662) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 922532.

Florida West International Airways (2nd) – The AOC was cancelled. Operations ended on February 28, 2017 as parent Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings decided to consolidate operations under the ATI banner.

Above Copyright Photo: Florida West International Airways (2nd) Boeing 767-346F ER N422LA (msn 35818) MIA (Brian McDonough). Image: 905972.

Flugfelag Islands – Air Iceland – Became Air Iceland Connect on May 24, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Flugfelag Islands-Air Iceland de Havilland Canada DHC-8-202 Dash 8 (Q200) TF-JMK (msn 446) AEY (Wingnut). Image: 925729.

Flybe (Loganair) – The two airlines cancelled their agreement and Loganair reverted back to its own Loganair brand on August 31, 2017. On September 1, 2017 Loganair signed a code share agreement with British Airways.

Above Copyright Photo: Flybe-Loganair de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter G-BVVK (msn 666) BRR (Robbie Shaw). Image: 907742.

GLO AIrlines – Filed for Chapter 11 reorganization on April 24, 2017 and ceased operations on July 15, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: GLO Airlines (flyGLO.com) (Corporate Flight Management) SAAB 340B N9CJ (msn 224) LIT (Jason Hamm). Image: 938894.

InselAir (Aruba) – InselAir Aruba was declared bankrupt on July 7, 2017 after ceasing operations on June 7, 2017. However InselAir (Curacao) reorganized and downsized and continues to operate in the ABC Islands.

Above Copyright Photo: InselAir (Aruba) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) P4-MDI (msn 49847) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 104316.

Island Air – The long-time inter-island airline in Hawaii shut down operations on November 10, 2017. The assets are being sold to Hawaiian Airlines for its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian division.

Above Copyright Photo: Island Air (Hawaii) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) N682WP (msn 4546) HNL (Ivan K. Nishimura). Image: 939613.

Kan Air – The regional carrier in Thailand suspended operations on April 21, 2017.

Photo Above: Kan Air.

LGW (Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter) (Airberlin) – As part of the Airberlin Group, LGW also ceased operations on October 27, 2017. However it has now been purchased by the Lufthansa Group and will continue to operate as a company under the Eurowings brand.

Above Copyright Photo: Airberlin (airberlin.com) (LGW) Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) D-ABQB (msn 4226) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 928479.

Mega Maldives Airlines – The airline suspended operations on May 2, 2017. It hopes to restructure.

Above Copyright Photo: Mega Maldives Airlines (Mega Global Air) (Travel Service Airlines) Boeing 737-86N SSWL OK-TVT (msn 39394) HKG (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 935872.

Monarch Airlines – The long-time British carrier shut down all operations on October 2, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Monarch Airlines Boeing 737-82R WL TC-AAY (G-ZBAV) (msn 40874) BHX (Ian Bowley). Image: 937834.

Naft Airlines – Became Karun Airlines in September 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Naft Airlines Fokker F.28 Mk. 0100 EP-MIS (msn 11503) DXB (Paul Denton). Image: 940409.

Niki Luftfahrt (flyniki) – As part of the Airberlin Group, the Austrian carrier suspended operations on December 13, 2017. However the airline has been acquired by the IAG and will be operating again under Vueling.

Above Copyright Photo: Niki Luftfahrt (flyNiki.com) Embraer ERJ 190-100LR OE-IXG (msn 19000435) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 921621.

Starbow Airlines – Suspended operations on November 25, 2017 after the ATR 72-500 accident. The airline hopes to restore operations.

Above Copyright Photo: Starbow Airlines BAe 146-300 9G-SBB (msn E3123) SEN (Keith Burton). Image: 908647.

Thomas Cook Airlines (Belgium) – Operated its last flight on October 27, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Thomas Cook Airlines (Belgium) Airbus A320-214 OO-TCH (msn 1929) AMS (Tony Storck). Image: 935351.

Thomson Airways – Officially became TUI Airways (UK) on October 1, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Thomson Airways Boeing 737-8K5 SSWL G-FDZW (msn 37254) TFS (Paul Bannwarth). Image: 927490.

Tigerair (Singapore) – The Tigerair of Singapore was merged into Scoot on July 25, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Tigerair (Singapore) Airbus A320-232 WL 9V-TRL (msn 5721) PEN (Rob Finlayson). Image: 925825.

VECA Airlines – Suspended operations on January 16, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: VECA Airlines Airbus A319-132 N1821V (msn 2383) SJO (Andres Meneses). Image: 929694.

VIM Airlines (VIM Avia) – Suspended all operations on October 15, 2017. The AOC was cancelled on November 4, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: VIM Airlines (VIM Avia) Boeing 777-2H6 ER VP-BVA (msn 28413) DME (OSDU). Image: 933003.

Welcome Air – The last revenue flight was operated on December 26, 2017.

Above Copyright Photo: Welcome Air Dornier 328-110 OE-GBB (msn 3078) CFU (Antony J. Best). Image: 928724.

Yangtze River Express – Became Suparna Airlines on July 7, 2017 (name change).

Above Copyright Photo: Yangtze River Express Boeing 747-481 (BCF) B-2432 (msn 28283) ANC (Michael B. Ing). Image: 928002.

Yemenia (Yemen Airways) – The flag carrier of war-weary Yemen suspended operations on November 6, 2017 due to the on-going civil war and military air strikes. The carrier hopes to operate some flights in the future, war conditions permitting.

Above Copyright Photo: Yemenia (Yemen Airways) Airbus A330-243 7O-ADT (msn 632) FRA (Pascal Simon). Image: 904599.

BBC: Four injured at Stornoway as a Loganair SAAB 340B is flown off the runway on take off

Loganair (Flybe) (Glasgow) flight BE 6821 to Glasgow on January 2 did not operate as planned. According to this BBC report, the Flybe flight, operated with a SAAB 340B (G-LGNL, msn 246) with 25 passengers and three crew members, was caught in a crosswind as it was attempting to take off. The SAAB 340B, after lifting off the runway, veered left and came to rest off the runway. Two passengers were taken to the hospital and two others received minor injuries according to the report but declined medical assistance.

Loganair is a Flybe franchise and operates under the Flybe brand.

Stornoway is a town on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Stornoway is the largest town in the Western Isles and often receives stiff winds from the adjacent Atlantic Ocean.

The airline issued this short statement:

On departure from Stornoway Airport the 8.30 am flight BE 6821 for Glasgow left the runway during take off. The SAAB 340 aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and three crew members.

All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and returned to the airport’s terminal. Two passengers sustained minor injuries and have gone to the local hospital. A full investigation is now underway to ascertain the cause of the incident and the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.

Read the full BBC report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Sister-ship SAAB 340B G-LGNF (msn 192) taxies at Glasgow with the special “Serving Scotland for 50 Years 1962-2012” logo.

Flybe-Loganair aircraft slide show:

Route Map:

The unique beach air service at Barra to continue

Loganair (Flybe) (Glasgow) will continue to operate its unique de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter service to the island of Barra in Scotland. The service is unique because the STOL aircraft lands on the beach and the timetable is variable due to the changing tides. In February the Western Isles Council voted to end its subsidy for the Barra to Benbecula leg of the Twin Otter service. The service was due to end on March 31. The move was designed to enhance service to Glasgow.

Read the full account (with a video) from the STV News: CLICK HERE

However the Scottish Government has now confirmed it will “enhance” flights between Barra and Glasgow for the summer season but said they have no further plans to change the number of flights during the rest of the year according to this report by the Stornoway Gazette. The unique “beach service” will continue.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Robbie Shaw. Loganair’s de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter G-BVVK (msn 666) makes its unique landing at Barra (BRR). Barra is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides in western Scotland. Loganair as a Flybe franchise, operates in the brand of Flybe (Exeter).

Loganair-Flybe:

Routes from Glasgow:

Please click on the map for the full-size view.

Video:

Loganair celebrates 50 Years of serving Scotland

Loganair (Flybe) (Glasgow) yesterday celebrated 50 years as an airline. The pictured SAAB 340B G-LGNF (msn 192) operating as a Flybe franchise wears a a special “Serving Scotland for 50 Years 1962-2012” logo by the nose and mid-section for the special occasion.

The company’s fleet of 20 aircraft is now carrying the new logo featuring a Saltire and the Loganair name.

Read the interview of CEO Scott Grier in the Herald Scotland: CLICK HERE

Loganair was established on February 1, 1962 as the air taxi service of the Logan Construction Company Ltd, operating a single Piper Aztec from Edinburgh.

Almost immediately, it was apparent that there was a demand for scheduled services in addition to the primary role as an air taxi, and as such Loganair’s fleet grew. As the network expanded to take in more remote islands and communities, Loganair’s scheduled network began to emerge.

In 1964 Loganair mounted an inter-island scheduled network in Orkney and a similar network in Shetland commenced in 1970, and the strong association with these island communities continues today. Air ambulance services were established in 1967 covering Coll, Colonsay, Oronsay, Mull and Oban, and Loganair is proud to maintain the relationship with the Scottish Ambulance Service, and to continually provide air ambulance cover with dedicated Britten Norman Islander aircraft at Glasgow, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

Under the ownership of the Royal Bank of Scotland between 1968 and 1983, the Loganair network, serving the Highlands and Islands, was assuming its now familiar shape. The growth was spurred by the rationalisation program that British Airways commenced in 1975 with the transfer of ‘thin’ routes to Loganair. Grasping the opportunity, Loganair’s scheduled network grew, and Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles were served comprehensively from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and mainland routes were now firmly established. In 1979, Loganair launched an air service between Glasgow and Derry, with Northern Ireland becoming the focus of expansion, as the stage was now set for the next major step forward – a hub of business routes.

Firmly established as Scotland’s Airline, new horizons were sought, and in 1980 Loganair took over the Belfast to Edinburgh route from British Airways. In 1981, Loganair faced the might of the flag carrier and competed on the Glasgow to Belfast route, stealthily managing to win market share by transferring its operations to Belfast City Airport. Manchester then became the focus of attention, as Loganair commenced daily services to Edinburgh, Belfast City and Glasgow.

With business traffic representing an ever-increasing proportion of Loganair’s annual passenger carryings, Loganair acquired larger aircraft, the Shorts 360 and Fokker Friendship. In September 1983, the British Midland Group took a controlling interest in Loganair, and riding a wave of success and optimism the time came for Loganair to enter the jet market. The BAe 146-200 jet, known as the ‘Whisper Jet’, was at the forefront of short-haul aircraft technology providing a high level of passenger comfort and load-carrying capacity, and two jets were brought into the fleet to expand the growing network to include services to the Channel Islands and mainland Europe.

The fleet continued to grow with the acquisition of BAe Jetstream 31, Jetstream 41, and ATP aircraft, and in the late 1980’s Loganair had a comprehensive schedule and charter network. Loganair became the second busiest airline at Manchester, the dominant carrier at Belfast City airport, and a significant player in the development of scheduled services at Southampton. With aircraft utilisation being such a vital factor, Loganair also secured contracts with the Post Office for the night movement of mail and datapost.

However, the promising eighties gave way to the turbulent nineties, and a reorganisation of the British Midland Group activities in 1994 saw the transfer of Loganair’s cross-border services and associated aircraft to Manx Airlines (Europe). 1994 also saw the significant forging of a relationship between Loganair and British Airways in Scotland, as Loganair became British Airways’ second franchise operator, with the residual Scottish internal routes being flown in British Airways livery, but with the same professionalism that typifies the Loganair operation. Whilst still under the ownership of the British Midland Group, a further transfer of the main internal Scottish services took place in 1996.

March 2004 saw a transfer of routes and aircraft from British Airways CitiExpress with Loganair now operating the Glasgow to Benbecula, Stornoway, Shetland and Isle of Man routes, as well as Shetland to Aberdeen.

After a 14 year franchise association with British Airways, Loganair forged a new franchise partnership with Europe’s largest regional carrier, Flybe, in July 2008. Loganair began operating under the Flybe brand on October 28, 2008.