Loganair creates Southampton base with new Manchester route

Loganair is adding a Manchester route from Southampton as it establishes its tenth UK base at the south coast airport.

Aircraft capacity serving Edinburgh from Southampton has been increased from 49 to 72 passengers. 

The Southampton-Manchester route will be operated from October 26 alongside a new service to the northwest hub from Exeter.

New connections via Manchester to Inverness, Aberdeen and the Isle of Man will also become available.

The Southampton move will increase the number of seats available by more than 140,000 a year. 

Two ATR-72 600 aircraft will based at the airport, with the first arriving in October.

New jobs are being created, specifically for pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

Loganair’s other bases include Kirkwall, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, City of Derry, Newcastle and Isle of Man.

The carrier’s chief executive Luke Farajallah said: “We are delighted to be announcing a new base in Southampton, which is a logical and important strategic step for the UK’s largest regional airline. 

“Loganair is very familiar with operations to and from the south coast, and we feel confident the local market will respond well to our more permanent presence and new routes through the basing of two aircraft later this year.

“The DNA of our business for over six decades has been to connect regions and cities and to connect island communities to the mainland. 

“Southampton offers a unique location and we believe the markets, local people and businesses will respond well to our presence in this thriving part of the UK. We are also looking forward to welcoming our new team members who will be recruited from the local areas.”

Kam Jandu, chief executive of airport owner AGS Airports, added: “This announcement represents both a significant investment and huge vote of confidence from Loganair in Southampton airport. 

“Establishing what will be its 10th base, will not only significantly enhance the region’s connectivity it will deliver a welcome boost for the local economy by creating meaningful employment opportunities.

“Manchester is the most sought-after route by businesses across the region and was previously used by more than 200,000 passengers per year. 

“The re-introduction of this route will further strengthen the economic ties between the two cities and Loganair’s extensive airline interline agreements will open even more global connection opportunities for our passengers, making the world even more accessible from their local airport.”