Eastern Airways the UK’s regional airline, have made some positive timing amendments to the service between Wick John O’Groats and Aberdeen, aligned to community feedback. 

The PSO route (Public Service Obligation) has been in place since April 2022 and has shown very encouraging passenger numbers with the service being put in place to support increasing connectivity in to and out of the northern Caithness region of Scotland. Eastern Airways have seen a 220% increase in passenger numbers since the services post-pandemic re-introduction compared to passenger numbers in 2019. 

As part of the ongoing community integration of the service in conjunction with key route stakeholders, Eastern Airways have been gathering feedback from passengers using the service, as well as those that have not. With almost 500 positive feedback responses, Eastern Airways have used this information to optimise the service timings and make it further accessible to more users. 

Roger Hage, General Manager of Eastern Airways commented “We are pleased with the returning numbers of passengers using our Aberdeen to Wick John O’Groats service but have recently undertaken some key research and amended our flying program to significantly better the service.” 

Results of the research show that improved connectivity is key. As other airlines have adjusted their summer flying schedules, the arrival times at Aberdeen did not always allow for connections to Wick John O’Groats. Key destinations were identified including Manchester, Birmingham and London, and the new flight times are in place to mirror arrivals from these destinations at Aberdeen Airport to allow onward travel to Wick John O’Groats. 

The first morning departure from Aberdeen to Wick John O’Groats has been moved from 09:30 to 10:40. This allows a minimum connection time of 45 minutes for passengers arriving from several key destinations across the UK and parts of Europe. Whether passengers are using this service for business or leisure related activities, the inbound connections have been aligned to allow for maximum connectivity. 

Mr Hage carried on saying, “The feedback also showed that a later departure time from Aberdeen in the early evening would offer further connectivity options back to Wick John O’Groats. We have pushed our service from a 16:40 departure to 18:20. This allows for those working in Aberdeen to use the service at the end of a typical working day, but also those visiting the city for leisure purposes to have more time to enjoy the attractions before returning.” 

The early morning Wednesday service from Wick John O’Groats to Aberdeen has been replaced with a later service on a Tuesday evening. The vital feedback highlighted a requirement in the schedule, particularly for those that would use the service for offshore transport from Aberdeen.  

The new schedule is due to take effect from Sunday 7th August and full details can be seen below: 

The service operates on a low-emission regional turbo-prop aircraft, ensuring the route is delivered as a low carbon environmentally sustainable option. This remains in support of both the airports and airline’s strategies towards sustainability, whilst offering a fast, convenient and hassle-free method of travel. 

Tickets can be booked at www.easternairways.com with fares starting from as little as £49.99 including all taxes and a complimentary hand baggage allowance of 10kg and hold baggage allowance of 15kg.