Hebridean Air Services has opened up bookings for its new inter-
Return flights will operate twice daily for three days a week, a frequency improvement
compared to the present set-
Hebrides News revealed yesterday how the operator will commence flights on 12 April. Its booking website is now live.
Tenders were open to all airlines but lack of interest meant Hebridean Air submitted the only valid bid for a council subsidy. The air service would have ceased on Thursday if their tender was rejected.
Tickets are £99.20 one-
Air services will fly on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays offering a daily double rotation between Stornoway and Benbecula.
The eight-
Loganair sent their best wishes to the incoming airline, pointing out the new Loganair ATR aircrafts are unsuitable for continued and sustainable service due to their excess capacity for the level of demand on the route.
The new plane is scheduled to Stornoway at 8.15am daily arriving Balivanich Airport at 8.50am. Following a speedy turnaround, the aircraft departs Benbecula at 9.05am, touching down in Lewis at 9.35am.
Afternoon flights depart Stornoway at 3.25pm, Benbecula at 4.15pm
Passengers are allowed a baggage allowance of 10kg.
Any flight changes will be charged at £10 per single flight sector, plus any difference in fare. If the new fare is lower, no refund applies.
Changing a name on a ticket will cost £10.
Refunds are not available.
The aircraft operated on these routes may not be suitable for passengers with reduced
mobility. The door sill height is 60cm off the ground and a small step-
The airline says: “We would suggest that persons of reduced mobility travel with a companion who can assist with boarding or exiting if required. In order to ensure the safety of all passengers on board it is a requirement of the airline that all passengers must be able to board/exit the aircraft without the need for staff support.”
Hebridean Air was the only airline to submit a compliant tender to operate flights on the route.
The firm won a bid to run the service for the next four years in contrast to the
previous year-
The Britten Norman Islander aircraft is considerably smaller than the Loganair plane, it is said to be better suited to the operational passenger numbers.
One significant bonus point is the new contract makes the route viable due to the decreased operating costs.
Hebridean Air Services which has a track record of successfully operating services to Scottish islands expressed their commitment to deliver a service that works for the public.
Loganair flew their last flights on the route yesterday though their contract officially runs to Monday.
Hebridean Air said: “With our strong background in connecting remote communities, including our passenger service flights in the Shetland Islands, Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay, we're committed to making this essential link reliable and efficient for those that depend on it.
“Having operated two PSO (Public Service Obligation) services for some time, we understand the criticality of the routes to be served and understand that the needs of the travellers must be the highest priority.”
Julie Simper, managing director of Hebridean Air Services, stated: “I am delighted that we are able to announce the start date for the new service, just five weeks from contract award.
“We have been very conscious of the effects delays to commencement of the services will be having on the communities as well as the uncertainty for patients awaiting treatment.
“We are very grateful for the assistance and support provided by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Airports and Loganair.
“The teams at Hebridean Air Services look forward to welcoming passengers on board.
“Naturally, we have received a number of enquiries and questions regarding the service which we shall address through the website.”
Uisdean Robertson, transportation chair at the comhairle, said: “Hebridean Air Services submitted the only compliant bid for the operation of the Benbecula to Stornoway air service.
“It is the comhairle’s view that this is a lifeline service and by submitting this compliant tender Hebridean Air Services have ensured that the service will continue until 2028.
“The comhairle will now work with Hebridean Air Services to ensure that the service provides the best possible outcomes for the people of Uist and the Western Isles as a whole.
“I thank Hebridean Air Services for their commitment to operate the service and their hard work in getting the service operational as quickly as they have.”
A spokesperson for Loganair said: “It has been a privilege to provide vital regional
connectivity on the Benbecula-
“We wish the new supplier well and look forward to welcoming our Benbecula and Stornoway customers on other Loganair services this summer.”
Hebridean Air Services open ticket sales for new Benbecula plane link
29 March 2024
