The route was launched in 2001 with two daily weekday flights operated by an Aberdeen based aircraft. Flight increased to three each weekday from Aberdeen to Wick three years later.

Eastern Airways firmly demonstrated its commitment with expansion to Caithness and the North Highlands in February 2005 when it re-based the aircraft in Wick, offering improved timings and better onward connections from Aberdeen. In February 2007, the route gained an extra 1,320 seats a month when Eastern Airways introduced the larger 29 seater Jetstream 41 aircraft onto its services.

Since 2001 the UK regional airline has operated over 11,500 flights between Wick and Aberdeen. The three times a day weekday service is used by business and leisure travellers and has helped to forge business links between oil and gas, renewable energy companies and other key businesses in Aberdeen and Caithness.

Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ commercial director, said: “The 10th anniversary milestone of the Wick-Aberdeen route demonstrates our continued commitment to Caithness and Aberdeenshire by offering a dependable, reliable service to meet the needs of those travelling for business or leisure purposes.

“We’ve developed the route over the years by providing a convenient business schedule, saving travellers valuable time. Our timings also enable customers to conveniently connect onto London services from Aberdeen as well as our comprehensive Aberdeen network.”

Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Wick Airport Consultative Committee, added: “This route is a valuable asset for Caithness and we are delighted Eastern Airways are celebrating their 10th anniversary. We look forward to their continued commitment to what is vital connection for businesses travelling to and from the area.”

Carol Benzie, operations director at Aberdeen Airport, said: “It is a fantastic milestone to reach, 10 years of a successful service that has provided a vital link for the communities of the North and North-east. Business and leisure passengers have all benefited from the lifeline route and long may it continue.

“We are proud of the relationship we have with Eastern Airways and this is a great demonstration of that.”

Back in November, the airline adjusted some timings on its Wick-Aberdeen service to improve connection opportunities with London services and its own onward Aberdeen services.

The UK regional airline was formed more than 12 years ago and now operates more flights from Aberdeen than any other airline. Eastern Airways is the UK’s second largest regional carrier and has a fleet of 30 aircraft flying from 21 airports in the UK, Ireland, Norway and France.