Loganair has admitted that it has not yet secured a deal over a future codeshare with Flybe that could have a major impact on travel to the Islands.
Earlier this week it emerged that Glasgow-based Loganair will stop flying under the Flybe brand from August 31 next year.
Flybe said its decision to end the franchise agreement followed “a failure to agree future operational standards and commercial arrangements”.
Loganair said the move would allow the airline to “spread its wings again” and introduce “a bold new corporate identity”.
But now it has emerged it has not yet reached a codeshare with Flybe, which allows passengers with a connecting flight – such as to and from London – to book and travel on the same guaranteed ticket.
Without a codeshare, passengers will have to book multiple flights with different airlines – and with no guarantee of another onward flight in the event of a missed connection due to breakdown etc.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has written to Loganair about “the implication for this change”.
While a spokesman for Western Isles Council said: “The revised codeshare arrangements, and their relative advantages and disadvantages, will be discussed with Loganair when we meet next week.”
The islands’ MP Angus MacNeil said he was concerned.
“I hope the companies will come to a sensible agreement – it will be to both their advantages.”
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Managing Director said: “A range of onward connections is a key part of the airline’s offering and to sustain this, a codeshare proposal has been submitted to Flybe.
“Loganair also has established codeshare relationships with British Airways and Aer Lingus, offering the opportunity to book journeys between the Highlands and Islands and hundreds of worldwide destinations in one transaction.
“We are still keen to work closely with Flybe after the closure of the franchise arrangement for the benefit of both carriers’ customers.”
Loganair – which yesterday revealed an artist’s impression of what its new livery will look like after the airline breaks away from its Flybe franchise link-up – has announced a new schedule of flights to and from Stornoway and Benbecula for next year.