Airline to start its first Norwegian link from Newcastle

North east travellers will benefit as UK regional airline, Eastern Airways launches its first link to Norway from Newcastle International Airport, offering day return trips to Stavanger.

The independent operator, which is the Newcastle’s most punctual scheduled airline*, will provide day return flights each weekday from Newcastle to Stavanger via Aberdeen from 12 November 2007 using a Saab 2000 aircraft.

Flights depart from Newcastle at 7.10am, arriving in Stavanger at 10.50am local time.  From Stavanger, services leave at 6.05pm landing in Newcastle at 7.55pm local time.

Norway is the third largest exporter of oil in the world and most major energy companies have bases in Stavanger.  As European Capital of Culture 2008, the Stavanger region is also ideal for tourists with its unforgettable fjords and mountains.

With more domestic flights from Newcastle than any other carrier, the airline will also be increasing seat capacity with an additional 840 seats a month on its Aberdeen service due to the introduction of a 50 seat Saab 2000.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: “Our new link to Stavanger will significantly benefit north east travellers as they will be able to conduct a day’s business in the Norwegian energy capital before returning to Newcastle in the evening.  By basing a larger Saab 2000 aircraft in Newcastle, we are also increasing capacity on our popular Aberdeen route to meet demand.”

Newcastle International’s aviation development manager, Chris Sanders, said: “We welcome the introduction of a Saab 2000 in Newcastle, which Eastern Airways is using to expand its services.”

Passengers flying with Eastern Airways from Newcastle will also benefit from a dedicated fast track security channel, to avoid any queues at security search.

The airline celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and also flies from Newcastle to Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff and Isle of Man.  As part of a partnership with regional development agency, One NorthEast, Eastern Airways has an aircraft branded in North East England “passionate people, passionate places” livery to help promote the north east.