British Airways to expand Inverness – Heathrow service

The new schedule, which will see a 30 per cent increase in capacity on the route, is the second major boost to the economy of the highlands and islands generated by British Airways following the airline’s announcement of an extended code share agreement with Scottish airline Loganair, which came into effect at the beginning of September.

Phyllis Stuart, British Airways’ manager at Inverness, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers more flights from the highland capital, offering more seats on the route after a successful start to the route.

“Our new schedule, which will come into operation at the beginning of the summer 2018 flying programme (from March 25), will mean that on three days of the week, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, British Airways will offer customers a double daily service between the capital of the highlands and islands and London.

“We, and our partners at Inverness Airport and the business communities in Inverness and the highland region, have worked tirelessly to encourage business and leisure travellers to use the new route for the benefit of the businesses and individuals in the region.

“The increased frequency on the route is the result of that partnership and further demonstrates British Airways’ long-standing commitment to the highlands and islands of Scotland.”

Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) said: “This announcement is excellent news for the highland community and Inverness Airport.

“We have worked closely with British Airways to further improve connectivity and the new schedule provides additional two-way connectivity with destinatons such as Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Berlin and Mexico City.

“We can also anticipate more than ten per cent additional inbound passengers to the highlands and islands to experience all the north of Scotland has to offer.”

Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is excellent news for Inverness and the highlands and islands as it strengthens one of the most important routes out of Inverness Airport.

“This important development significantly improved connectivity between the highland capital and the UK’s most important hub airport.

“BA’s commitment to Inverness and this route is most welcome and demonstrates the importance of the highland business community to their global network.”