Eastern Airways is introducing a new route between Belfast City and the Isle of Man after the service’s previous operator went out of business.
Citywing’s service on the route was axed on Saturday (March 11) when the company went into liquidation - a move that left some passengers stranded.
But Humberside-based Eastern Airways has quickly stepped into the breach with new daily services between Belfast City and the Isle of Man with onward connection to Newcastle.
Katy Best, commercial and marketing director at Belfast City, said: “We’re delighted to secure an airline of the pedigree of Eastern Airways on a route that is vitally important to both the Northern Ireland and Isle of Man communities. “To have filled the void left by Citywing in less than 48 hours is testament to potential that Eastern Airways recognises in the route. We look forward to forging a close partnership with Eastern Airways and providing passengers with further choice.”
Eastern Airways will operate a Jetstream 41 aircraft with 29 seats on the route.
Citywing’s service had been operated by Van Air, which lost its route licences in February. The company said this move had made it “difficult to source suitable viable aircraft to fulfil our contracts”.
“The company has tried to offer a service whilst suffering considerable losses but these have proved unfortunately to be commercially unsustainable,” said Citywing in a statement.
“It is therefore with much sadness and deep regret that the directors of Citywing Aviation Services Limited have had to take the difficult decision to close the company today and put the company into liquidation.”