Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s newest airline, Eastern Airways, has awarded its ground handling contract at the airport to Gate Aviation. The Humberside-based regional airline, which will launch its first scheduled flights from Liverpool to Aberdeen and Southampton from 6 July 2009, has appointed the handling agent to look after its ground handling and passenger services in Liverpool.

From 6 July, Gate Aviation will handle three arriving flights from Aberdeen and three from Southampton each weekday, along with the same number of outbound departures from Liverpool to both destinations.

Once Eastern Airways’ flights arrive at Liverpool, Gate Aviation will be responsible for passenger care at check-in, customer services and gate boarding, as well as baggage handling, ramp operation and aircraft de-icing.

The business focused airline, which first established its busy Aberdeen hub in 1997 and flights from Southampton six years ago, is consistently rated one of the UK’s best on-time performers. It offers high frequency services, check-in times just 30 minutes before departure and convenient fast track security channels at Liverpool, Aberdeen and Southampton airports to help speed passengers through security search for their flights.

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ ground services manager, said: “We’re confident that Gate Aviation will deliver a very professional and efficient handling service for us at Liverpool with a high level of customer care to meet our passengers’ expectations. With our flights to Aberdeen and Southampton starting in July from Liverpool, we want Gate Aviation’s level of service to reflect ours by leaving a positive lasting impression on our arriving and departing customers.”

Gate Aviation’s managing director, Nigel Daniel said: “Gate Aviation is delighted to have been selected to provide handling services to Eastern Airways in Liverpool and to further expanding our quality partnership within the UK”.

Gate Aviation also handles Eastern Airways flights at Aberdeen, Newcastle and Isle of Man airports.