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by Colin Munro [viewed 4942 times]
|  Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar subsidise the air services that run between the various island groups of the Western isles. Highland Airways has been operating the service between Stornoway and Benbecula for CNES since 2001.
Every weekday one of the company's three BAE Jetstream 31 aircraft run and morning and afternoon schedule originating in Stornoway. This aircraft overnights in Inverness, so before and after operating the winter island service passenger can also take advantage of the additional link with Inverness. One of the Jetstreams has the registration G-UIST, whilst another is registered G-JURA, and any future aircraft will probably also honour other Scottish islands with four letters!!
The service is friendly and informal reflecting the communities that they serves. Many of the passengers are repeat users, and may well be connected with lifeline services such as health, education or public administration.
The aircraft also carries critical freight up and down the island chain. Council documentation, water and health board samples are accompanied by items as diverse as agricultural or mechanical spare parts, dress hire or floral displays.
The company also delivers the mail to the Western Isles in another aircraft from Inverness and the newspapers to Stornoway from Inverness. As a result Highland Airways have developed their own ground handling teams at both Benbecula and Stornoway, and they contribute much to the friendly and helpful attitude that the company aspires to.
The standard ticket price is set by the council as part of their public service obligation effort and aims to make it as affordable as possible. Of course travellers are interested in further special offers so they should keep an eye on the Highland Airways' website on www.highlandairways.co.uk for the very latest. There is currently a Christmas period special offer, and a very cheap Stonroway to Inverness ticket each Saturday morning. Bookings are made by phone on 0845 450 2245 and it is always worth asking the staff if there are any deals you can benefit from.
Highland Airways do not just fly within Scotland. Here is a picture of G-JURA (often seen in Benbecula) on a recent Russian charter with Russian military helicopter in the background. It looks chilly. |
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| "Tagh do chomhluadar ma'n tagh thu do dheoch - Choose your company before you choose your drink", - T.D MacDonald |
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