From the Isle of Manonline
AIRLINE SCRAPS GLASGOW FLIGHTS
04 December 2003
FLIGHTS to Glasgow's Prestwick airport will be halted from early next month.
Launched just nine months ago by Aer Arann, the route has performed disappointingly.
Low passenger figures have forced the decision to scrap the service from January 8.
However, the company has promised to review the situation to see if the route could reinstated.
'While disappointed with the development the consistently low load factors experienced on the route since its launch last May necessitated the airline's decision to suspend services,' a spokesman said.
'Aer Arann will monitor market conditions over the coming months to assess whether a commercially viable service can be reinstated in the long term.'
It's another blow for travellers coming just weeks after confirmation British Airways CitiExpress is scrapping four routes: Dublin, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow.
While new operators have been found for two routes – Eastern Airways for Birmingham and Loganair for Glasgow – no replacements will be found for the remaining routes.
About 60 BA ground staff jobs remain in doubt although talks are continuing to see if the new operators could take on some of the workers.
BA CitiExpress has made a commitment to its core business services, to Gatwick, Manchester and Luton.
Last month EuroManx, which has not been in negotiations with BA, announced extra services to Dublin and Liverpool plus a new service to Glasgow which should help offset the loss of Aer Arran's Scottish connection.
Transport Minister John Shimmin has admitted talks are continuing with airlines over increasing and improving links, but no firm plans have been announced.