A new route linking Stavanger Sola Airport with Glasgow in Scotland is being introduced by Eastern Airways, the UK’s second largest regional airline, on 12 September 2011.

Eastern Airways is to launch its first international service to Glasgow Airport with three flights a week from Stavanger.

Eastern Airways initially built its network 13 years ago, providing the oil and gas industry with services from key regions around the UK to Aberdeen and subsequently entered the Norwegian market in 2007 with flights from Stavanger to Aberdeen and Newcastle.

The new Scottish service is expected to be of benefit to Norwegian contractors and businesses with links in Glasgow and the surrounding region.

The Stavanger flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fares will start from GBP £99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Monday and Wednesday flights will leave Stavanger at 0920 and arrive in Glasgow at 0950 local time. Services on Mondays and Wednesdays depart Glasgow at 1020 and arrive in Stavanger at 1320 local time.

On Fridays, flights will depart Stavanger at 1000 and arrive in Glasgow at 1030 local time. Friday services take off from Glasgow at 1100 and land in Stavanger at 1330 local time.

Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ commercial director, said: “A new convenient route from Stavanger to Glasgow will not only benefit Norwegian contractors and businesses with links in Glasgow and the surrounding region but also offshore workers who live in central Scotland.

“There are well established close business links between Norway and Scotland and we will monitor the service and look to increase frequency if there’s high demand for more flights.”

Although the new service will suit business travellers, Glasgow – like Stavanger – is a former European Capital of Culture. It is a major city well known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene including shops, theatres and museums such as the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the newly opened Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council and chair, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) added: "This is fantastic news for the Glasgow and our airport. The Stavanger service adds yet another valuable route to our network of flights around the world and is a boost for both business and the short break tourist market.

“Even in these tough times Glasgow is constantly improving its air links and we will continue to work hard to build on this latest success."

This latest announcement follows the news that Eastern Airways will be increasing flights from two to three each day (Monday to Friday) on its Stavanger – Aberdeen service from 5 September 2011.

Eastern Airways is consistently rated one of the UK’s most punctual scheduled airlines and has a fleet of 30 aircraft flying from 21 airports in the UK, Ireland, France and Norway.

Passengers flying with the airline are not charged for check-in, baggage, choice of seat or onboard drinks and snacks. Check-in closes just 30 minutes before the departure time.

Tags: Eastern Airways