Regional carrier Eastern Airways is to fly between Cardiff and Aberdeen (via Newcastle) from January, with a total journey time of as little as two hours 15 minutes.
The airline, which recently announced plans to buy Plymouth-based carrier Air Southwest, will offer a six-times weekly service commencing on January 4, 2011, departing Cardiff at 0730 on weekdays (0705 on Sunday), arriving in Aberdeen at 1025 (0920 on Sunday). The return leg will leave Aberdeen at 1605 on weekdays (1625 on Sunday), landing back in Cardiff at 1840 (all services).
The journey will take between two hours 20 minutes and two hours 55 minutes depending on the service. National Rail Enquiries quotes an average journey between the two cities of around nine hours, and a similar journey time is quoted by multimap.com for travel by car.
Patrick Duffy, managing director at Cardiff airport, said: “We know there is demand for an Aberdeen service from the region and we are pleased that Eastern Airways has recognised this and decided to further expand their offer from Cardiff with such a valuable connection. We hope the local community will support the route which will save time for both business and leisure travellers.”
All passengers departing from Aberdeen Airport with Eastern Airways have access to its dedicated business lounge. Eastern Airways currently offers two flights each weekday between Cardiff and Newcastle, plus a recently-introduced Sunday service.
Cardiff Airport also recently announced its first direct route to Zurich, with a four-times weekly service operated by Helvetic Airways due to start next March.