A new reservations system for travel from September 1 has been opened by Scottish carrier Loganair.
The Videcom booking system has been specially programmed to accept Air Discount Scheme bookings online – a system unique to Scotland – and all bookings from September 1 reflect a new policy of abolishing customer surcharges for payments by credit card.
A new customer contact centre with ten new staff has also been opened at its Glasgow headquarters to help with bookings and customer enquiries in addition to an online booking facility.
The airline plans to establish Facebook and Twitter channels to provide updates on operational issues, act as a marketing platform and allow passengers to contact its customer services team.
The developments come as the carrier prepares to start flying in its own right from September with the conclusion of a franchise agreement with Flybe.
The Loganair network is being expanded with the introduction of flights to Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom.
Twice-weekly flights from Kirkwall will operate on Mondays and Fridays in September and October, with prices at £39.99 one-way.
It will also be possible to reach the island – population of 60 – from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester and Norwich.
The Loganair website will remain at www.loganair.co.uk and the existing customer contact number, 0344 800 2855, will remain in place for all customer calls.
For flights up to August 31, customers are advised to continue to book via www.flybe.com or www.flybe.com/ads for all services except for Loganair’s Orkney inter-isles air services, which will shortly be added to the new Loganair website.
Managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “Launching our own reservations system today represents an important milestone in our progress to fly solo from 1 September.
“I’m really proud of our team for the tremendous work that’s gone into achieving the launch of the system, and am delighted to welcome the new customer contact centre advisors to the Loganair family.
“At the same time, we’re demonstrating that we truly are Scotland’s airline by connecting Fair Isle, the country’s most remote island community, to our extensive network.
“|Fair Isle is a haven for bird watchers and our service through the autumn migratory season will cut hours from current journey times.
“It will be possible to leave Manchester or Edinburgh after breakfast and arrive in Fair Isle by lunchtime – quite impossible today.