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Loganair is to launch new routes between Aberdeen, Glasgow, Stornoway and London Southend Airport.

The Essex airport owned by Stobart Group is an expanding gateway for travel to the capital.

Aberdeen and Glasgow will have three direct flights each way every weekday and a selection of weekend services, operated by Loganair’s Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft. One-stop services will also be introduced from Stornoway to London on Monday to Friday, with one flying north on Sundays. The airline says it is the first direct service from the Hebrides to London.

Loganair plans to introduce flights from Edinburgh to London Southend later in the year. Ir recently took over collapsed Flybmi's services from Aberden to Bristol, Oslo and Esbjerg.

Journey times are just under three hours from Stornoway, one hour and 35 minutes from Aberdeen and fifteen minutes shorter for Glasgow. A 53-minute train service travels directly to London’s Liverpool Street station.

Last month Loganair announced a five-year ground handling services contract with Stobart Aviation Services at Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Loganair’s managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re incredibly excited to be offering the first new routes between London and Scotland in many years, linking three Scottish airports to London Southend.

"These new fast and frequent flights together with our inclusive checked baggage allowance and on-board service, make this a hugely significant development for both Scotland-London air links and Loganair itself. We’re already looking at adding Edinburgh to this portfolio of London routes later in the year.”

Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, said: "With our own railway station just 60 steps from the terminal door, up to six trains an hour into London and our award winning customer service, we expect these new routes to prove very popular with customers flying to and from Scotland.”

Fares will start from £49.99 one-way to Aberdeen, £39.99 to Glasgow; and £99.99 one-way to Stornoway. Flights to Aberdeen will start on May 12 and Glasgow and Stornoway services will start on May 28.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “We warmly welcome the addition of Loganair’s new air link to London. It provides even more options to Glasgow’s overall transport network and offers a schedule which will definitely appeal to the business community.

“A recent economic impact study confirmed the major £1.44 billion contribution Glasgow Airport makes to the Scottish economy and, in line with its growth plans, this new route will bring more passengers into the city and increase our overall capacity for trade.”