The world famous Loganair Inter-Isles air service in Orkney has just welcomed its millionth passenger.
First, some facts and figures.
It has been in place since 1967. It features the world’s shortest scheduled flight, at just 1.7 miles long and with a two minute flight time. The planes have just eight seats and it connects seven islands and thousands of people.
And now Orkney’s world famous Inter-Isles Air Service has welcomed its millionth passenger.
It’s an impressive record for the Loganair-operated service, and it’s apt that the milestone was reached by Royal Bank of Scotland mobile-banker Anne Rendall. She has spent more than twenty years serving customers across the islands, highlighting the importance of the routes to our smaller communities.
The Inter-Isles service connects the main airport of Kirkwall with the islands of Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday and North Ronaldsay. There are daily flights with the iconic Britten Norman Islander aircraft, which swoops up into the sky above Orkney, bringing with it stunning views of the sea and sand below you.
Highlights include the approach to North Ronaldsay, with the island’s seaweed-eating sheep running for cover on the shoreline, and flying over the island of Sanday in the summer, with its miles and miles of white sand and turquoise water.
For visitors it’s the perfect way to island hop. Climb on-board and minutes later you can be in a totally different part of Orkney, experiencing the thrill of island life.
But for local residents the flights are a lifeline. They bring teachers, doctors, groceries and mail. They let people head to Kirkwall for appointments, for school and for holidays further afield. They’re as vital as our ferries – ensuring that everyone in Orkney is connected and communities are sustainable.
The Inter-Isles air service has become part of the fabric of Orkney life over the last 49 years. So here’s to the next million passengers.
If you want to visit Orkney and fly on the Inter-Isles route, find out more via the Visit Orkney website.
You can also view the timetable directly with Loganair.