VLM Airlines took off from Aberdeen for the first time yesterday on a new route linking the Granite City and Belgium.
The carrier is operating flights to Antwerp three times a week, including the direct service every Monday.
Flights on Wednesdays and Fridays have a 30-minute stopover in Birmingham, with passengers from the north-east staying on board.
The new route has been hailed by bosses at Aberdeen International Airport (AIA) as a major coup after Antwerp-based VLM chose the city for its only Scottish flights.
Onward connections are possible to destinations including Munich, in Germany, while Antwerp boats plenty of attractions of its own as well as easy transport links to Brussels.
The new service is also expected to appeal to Belgians looking for a Scottish getaway.
AIA managing director Carol Benzie said: “The brand new route to Antwerp with VLM Airlines is a fantastic addition to our current scheduled services.
“Antwerp is ideally located within the Flanders region, 30 minutes from Brussels and with easy access to surrounding important industries which are mutually beneficial for our two regions.
“Antwerp itself is a hidden gem – it has a reputation as the centre of the diamond trade but the city also has beautiful architecture and a vibrant nightlife which makes it ideal for a city break.”
VLM commercial director Konstantijn Huys said: “We are very excited to connect Aberdeen with Antwerp, which was picked as one of the Top 10 Best Cities 2018 by Lonely Planet, one of the most renowned travel guides in the world.
“The attractive architecture ranges from medieval buildings like the impressive town hall and square, to the magnificent central station or MAS, the remarkable town museum, to numerous Art Nouveau gems in between. The city is home to world-renowned shopping and a centuries-old diamond trade.
“We hope to welcome many Scottish passengers, whether for business purposes or leisure, on our flights.”