The unexpected announcement, made on Thursday evening, took many by surprise, and Mr Hinkles cited the toll of leading the airline as the reason for his swift departure.

Mr Hinkles expressed his belief that a new challenge was needed, both for himself and for Loganair, The Orcadian reports.

He said: “It serves no-one well for there to be a prolonged period of farewells, uncertainty and indecision in leadership. With all that in mind, I left the building for the final time a few hours ago.”

Earlier on the same day, he participated in events marking the farewell of Loganair’s Saab 340 aircraft and captain Eddie Watt, the airline’s longest-serving pilot.

Despite facing challenges, Loganair agreed to what they termed an “exceptional request” from Mr Hinkles to step down immediately.

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “There is no question that Loganair needs to improve its recent record when it comes to delays and disruption as well as in its communications with customers.

“However, Jonathan Hinkles deserves great credit for the progress he made in addressing serious and widespread problems that beset the airline when he returned to Loganair back in 2016.

“I wish him well in whatever he does next and will be seeking an early meeting with his successor.”