Business and leisure travellers are set benefit from new convenient air services to Aberdeen and Southampton as Eastern Airways launches its first ever scheduled flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Monday (6 July 2009). The Humberside-based UK regional airline is introducing three flights each weekday to Aberdeen and also three each weekday to Southampton from Liverpool.

As well as the new Liverpool flights, Monday also sees the airline’s Aberdeen to Southampton services increasing from two to five flights each weekday. A new early morning 7am departure is also being introduced from Southampton to Newcastle on the same day.

Eastern Airways’ high frequency Liverpool schedules and timings are primarily aimed at business travellers heading to and from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and North Wales. All of its passengers have access to fast track security channels at Liverpool, Aberdeen and Southampton, which help to avoid queues at security search.

It’s nearly 12 years since the airline first started services targeting the oil and gas industry with flights up the east coast of England. Aberdeen is currently its largest base, and the new Liverpool service strengthens its Scottish network to 13 routes, operating more flights than any other carrier from the granite city.

Weekday services to Aberdeen depart Liverpool at 10.40am, 4.30pm and 7.20pm, arriving in Aberdeen at 11.50am, 5.50pm and 8.40pm. Flights leave Aberdeen at 6.40am, 2.30pm and 6.20pm, landing in Liverpool at 7.50am, 3.50pm and 7.40pm.

Southampton is the gateway to the UK’s busiest luxury cruise-liner port and, along with Liverpool, is steeped in maritime history. The south coast region and M3 corridor is home to many sectors of industry including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, finance and engineering.

Weekday Southampton flights leave Liverpool at 8.10am, 4.20pm and 8.10pm, landing at 9am, 5.20pm and 9.10pm. Flights depart Southampton at 9.30am, 3pm and 5.50pm, arriving in Liverpool at 10.20am, 4pm and 6.50pm.

“It’s fantastic to introduce Liverpool as a new departure point on our network,“ said Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer. “Our new services to Aberdeen and Southampton will provide the region’s travellers with convenient day return flights from their local airport, saving them valuable time. “When developing routes we look at cities where there are traditionally strong industry links and Liverpool and its surrounding region certainly has that.”

Neil Pakey, deputy chief executive of Peel Airports, said: “These two destinations to the north and south are important for the region’s business community and Eastern Airways’ high quality, punctual service now means passengers can reach Aberdeen in just over an hour and Southampton in less than an hour, direct from their local airport.

“The airport has been targeting airlines to explore the domestic market and I am delighted that Eastern Airways has recognised the opportunities available from Liverpool.”

Customer care is very much at the forefront of Eastern Airways service and on board all its flights, passengers receive a friendly welcome and a fully inclusive service, including complimentary drinks and snacks.  There are no additional costs for hold baggage or choice of seat.