One in four flights delayed by more than 15 minutes

Figures confirmed by Loganair have revealed that one in four flights to or from Orkney this year so far have been delayed by more than 15 minutes.

The figure was revealed at a transport forum meeting in Shetland. When asked about figures for flights in and out of Kirkwall Airport, the airline confirmed that the figure was the same for Orkney, but added that improving services is the airline’s absolute priority.

A Loganair spokesman said: “The airline has made it clear that both punctuality and reliability on our services this year have not been to the standard expected by our customers.

“In the last three months, the senior management team has met with, and made representations to, ministers from the Scottish Government, MSPs and MPs local to the areas we operate, airport groups, social media campaigners and local authority transport-specific committees and bodies.”

“As has been previously reported, Loganair is currently implementing a complete review of its operations to bring punctuality and reliability figures back to where they should be.

“The introduction of two new senior directors to Loganair’s operations and engineering divisions, along with the £250,000 investment in a Glasgow-based spares facility, underlines our commitment to this process.

“Improving our services is the airline’s absolute priority, however, these changes will not come into effect overnight and time is required to implement the measures we are undertaking.”