Loganair has launched a new service between City of Derry Airport (CODA) and Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

The Glasgow-based carrier – now the UK’s largest regional airline – recently stepped in to re-establish the popular UK domestic route following Ryanair’s decision to pull out.

Loganair is initially offering flights four days a week on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, increasing to a daily service from late June. Fares start at £44.99 one way with hand baggage and hold luggage allowance included, as well as refreshments served on board.

The re-establishment of connectivity between the Northwest and Liverpool has been hailed by local business leaders as a significant boost for the regional economy in Northern Ireland.

The chief executive of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Paul Clancy said: “Maintaining air links between our regional airport and the rest of the UK is crucial for the regional economy. Securing the route between City of Derry and Liverpool is welcome news for businesses and leisure travellers. We congratulate Loganair on their new venture and ongoing commitment to City of Derry Airport.”

City of Derry Airport MD Steve Frazer welcomed the first Loganair flight between CODA and Liverpool as an important new development for the regional airport. He thanked Loganair for its commitment to regional connectivity from the Northwest and said that increasing the frequency of the new service to seven days a week from the end of June will offer maximum choice and flexibility to both business and leisure travellers.

He added: “We are very pleased that Loganair has re-established this important route for CODA, which we are confident will play a key role in supporting our regional economy.”

Loganair’s chief executive Jonathan Hinkles paid a special tribute to the “exemplary” locally based team who had also maintained the London service without interruption during the challenging previous 14 months.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate their superb efforts today by re-doubling our commitment to City of Derry’s air links which we firmly believe augurs well for the future,” he commented.

Loganair was the first operator at CODA when the airport opened for business in April 1980. The 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet based there supports 15 direct jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in the area.

Last July, Loganair and Blue Islands, a growing Channel-Islands based carrier, announced an extensive partnership to offer a new range of regional air connections across the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.