GovWire

The UK government has today announced more than 1.8 million to secure a vital air link between Dundee City Airport and London Stansted for another 2 years.

The public service obligation (PSO), agreed between the UK government, Transport Scotland and Dundee City Council, guarantees almost 3.7 million to keep the route open over the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years.

The UK government will contribute 50% of the total funds, with the Scottish government putting in 1.4 million and Dundee City Council funding a further 400,000.

Loganair will continue to operate the route from 26 March 2017, with the service comprising 2 return flights each weekday and 1 return flight on Sundays.

The Dundee-London link, which launched as the first government PSO in 2014, plays an important role in promoting Dundee as a business and tourist destination, offering additional travel options to railway and road. Flight times between the 2 airports currently stand at around an hour and a half.

Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said:

I am delighted that Loganair will continue to operate this direct air service between Dundee and London Stansted for another 2 years.

Passengers and businesses will continue to benefit from the connectivity this route provides. It will further boost trade and tourism opportunities will continue to flourish in Scotland.

Regional airports are vital to our long-term economic strategy, and we are committed to strengthening links across the whole country and in particular ensuring access to London to further boost growth across the whole of the UK.

UK government Minister for Scotland Lord Andrew Dunlop said:

Its great news for Dundee that the UK government is investing a further 1.8 million over 2 years in the Dundee-London air route, building on our investment of 2.85 million over the past 2 years.

Good air connectivity is vital to Dundees prosperity and its ambitious regeneration plans. There is a huge amount going on in Dundee, and London air links offer fantastic opportunities for Tayside.

Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild said:

As the city continues its long-term regeneration programme, having a direct air link to London fulfils an important role for business and leisure travellers.

Securing the route for a further 2 years through this latest PSO gives the council and its partners an opportunity to build on the service and attract other routes.

The Scottish governments Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said:

The award of this contract to Loganair is welcome news which provides continuity of service on this important route.

This flight not only provides a direct link to London, but also offers passengers a wide number of onward connecting destinations from Stansted. This will continue to benefit business and leisure travellers alike.

In the wider context, this service is vital for the future of Dundee Airport and we will continue to work with all partners to add new flights to its roster. I wish Loganair every success with this service.

The government maintains regional airport links through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund, which can be used to protect important air connections to London which may otherwise be lost.

Last month, the UK government gave its first ever backing for a PSO in Northern Ireland.

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