Loganair marked the launch of new routes from Heathrow as the UK’s largest regional carrier celebrated a series of firsts for the airline.

The airline is now offering connections to London Heathrow from Derry, Dundee, Orkney and Shetland in addition to its existing Isle of Man services.

Derry flights switched from London Stansted on May 6, while flights to Dundee left from Heathrow (previously London City) for the first time in 40 years on Tuesday.

Logan Air has inaugurated the first-ever link between City of Derry Airport and Heathrow, connected Sumburgh and Heathrow and restored a link from Heathrow to Dundee last offered a generation ago.

Loganair chief executive, Jonathan Hinkles and Heathrow aviation director, Joanna Taso, attended a special gate party at T2 on Thursday as the airline welcomed passengers to a Shetland service.

Hinkles said: “These routes really take Loganair’s provision of regional connectivity to new heights and underline our credentials as the UK’s largest regional airline.

“We’re very grateful to the UK Government and BA for their support in securing these slots for domestic connectivity and it was great to see so many happy passengers boarding the new services today.

“Maintaining and improving regional connectivity is one of the main levers of a powerful economy and with these new routes we’re offering business connections into the heart of London from some of the most remote communities in the UK.

“Likewise, we’ve opened the door to enhanced tourism for places like Derry, Dundee, Shetland and Orkney, while also giving all our passengers access to the incredible onward connections on offer at Heathrow. It truly is a game changer for regional commercial aviation.”

Taso added: “We are delighted to be celebrating the inaugural Heathrow to Sumburgh via Dundee departure.

“Loganair’s new domestic routes to Dundee and the City of Derry will open up lifeline connectivity and global business opportunities via Heathrow, the UK’s gateway to the world. Their expanded operations are supported by our domestic passenger discount and demonstrate Heathrow’s longstanding commitment to regional connectivity.”