Loganair has announced it is introducing flights from Cardiff to Glasgow – welcomed as the airport’s newest operator.

The carrier is set to commence a year-round, daily schedule on February 27 – designed to enable business or leisure trips of different durations – including weekends, long weekends and short breaks.

Operated by a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft with a flight time of only one hour and 15 minutes between Scotland and Wales.

Glasgow is a popular tourist city and the number one retail destination outside of London. Home to one of Europe’s largest art collections, top-quality restaurants and world-renowned nightlife, visitors quickly fall into love with the city and its unique charm. It generated £41.1 billion GVA in 2017, experiencing significant economic growth in recent years across globally competitive sectors including life sciences, creative industries, engineering and finance.

It is also a gateway to Scotland’s highlands and islands, with customers able to connect onto Loganair’s extensive network from Glasgow Airport which includes Shetland, Orkney, Islay, Tiree and the Outer Hebrides.

Across all its routes, Loganair provides a complimentary baggage allowance, in-flight refreshments and the option to join Clan Loganair – the airline’s competitive reward programme for frequent flyers. Business customers can also opt for several different fare products, offering a range of flexibility as required.

Loganair commercial director, Kay Ryan said:

“We’re delighted to launch a new service from Cardiff – connecting Scotland and Wales’s largest cities.

“This is an important business route, but the city is also popular with leisure customers – as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. We’ve got an extremely competitive offering which includes a complimentary baggage allowance and on board refreshments as well as one of the industry’s most attractive frequent flyer schemes so we’re very much looking forward to serving Cardiff Airport.

Deb Bowen Rees, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said:

“Today’s announcement is very exciting news. We are very pleased that Loganair has recognised the potential that exists within the region and has chosen Cardiff to operate a strategically important route that links Scotland to Wales. I know that our customers will be delighted to know that regular flights to Glasgow are set to continue in the new year.

“Furthermore, it’s great to welcome a new airline to Cardiff. We look forward to the commencement of the route in February and working closely with the team at Loganair.”