A gathering of politicians, airline executives, and flight staff boarded the maiden flight of a new service between Inverness and London yesterday.
They braved the dark and cold of the first working day of winter, to board the 7.15am flight from Inverness, which touched down at London City airport less than two hours later.
It was one of six new routes launched yesterdayby Flybe, and was marked by the unveiling of a distinctive new purple aircraft, called the Spirit of Inverness.
The naming ceremony was carried out by guests, including Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury and MP for Inverness along with Fergus Ewing, minister for tourism, Highland council leader Drew Hendry, and Paul Simmons, chief commercial officer of Flybe.
Local groups have endorsed the service, including Inverness Chamber of Commerce, who said it was a “very welcome development for the Highland business community”.
Their chief executive, Stewart Nicol said: “Regional air connectivity is critically important for Highland businesses as they increasingly develop their presence in UK and international markets.
“This new route gives much-needed and welcome additional choice and flexibility for Highland businessmen and women seeking to do business face-to-face in the City of London and across the UK Capital.
“It also strengthens the connectivity options available to the business traveller from our local Inverness Airport.”
Mr Alexander added: “The reinstating of flights from Inverness is a vote of confidence from Flybe in the Highlands current economic strength and potential to be a thriving investment hub. I am delighted to take part in this inaugural flight, I am sure it will not be my last.”