UK regional airline Eastern Airways is to launch two new direct services to Bergen from Aberdeen and Newcastle on 5 October 2009.

The introduction of these latest routes by Eastern Airways, one the UK’s most punctual scheduled airlines* demonstrates Eastern Airways’ commitment to further expanding services into Norway from the UK.

 

As Norway’s second largest city, Bergen is the latest addition to the airline’s network, which already includes frequent services to Oslo from Aberdeen and Stavanger from both Aberdeen and Newcastle.

 

From Aberdeen, the airline will operate a Monday to Friday service to Bergen, with flights taking off from Aberdeen at 8.40am, arriving in Bergen at 11.10am local time. Departures leave Bergen at 4.15pm, landing in Aberdeen at 4.45pm local time.

 

From Newcastle, Eastern Airways will also operate daily weekday services to Bergen, with flights leaving Newcastle at 10.30am, arriving in Bergen at 1.35pm local time. Services depart Bergen at 2.30pm, arriving in Newcastle at 3.35pm local time.

 

The Bergen timings offer convenient connections from Durham Tees Valley, Humberside, East Midlands and Wick via Aberdeen.  Passengers heading to Bergen from Birmingham, Cardiff and Southampton can also connect onto Eastern Airways’ Newcastle service.

 

Fares to Bergen start from £89 one way#.

 

In addition, from 4 October, extra early morning flights from Stavanger to Aberdeen will operate between Monday and Thursday, leaving Stavanger at 7.30am and arriving in Aberdeen at 7.50am local time.  A new evening service will leave Aberdeen at 6.30pm, arriving in Stavanger at 7.50pm (Monday to Wednesday, departing Aberdeen at 3pm and arriving in Stavanger at 5.20pm on Sundays).

 

Newcastle will also benefit from an additional Sunday service to Stavanger, leaving Newcastle at 4pm, arriving at 6.50pm local time, and departing Stavanger at 7.30pm and arriving in Newcastle (via Aberdeen) at 9.15pm.

 

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: “The announcement of two new non-stop services to Bergen from Aberdeen and Newcastle clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing routes between the UK and Norway.

 

“Bergen is a key base for the global energy industry, and our services will benefit business travellers.  Both services also provide a convenient link for leisure passengers taking short breaks in Norway, north east Scotland and north east England.”

 

Bergen is recognised as the gateway to the world famous fjords of Norway and has become one of Europe’s largest ports of call for cruise ships.

 

Bergen Airport Flesland is the main heliport for the Norwegian North Sea oil and gas industry, and as home to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and the Royal Norwegian Navy, the city also plays a pivotal role in the maritime industry.

 

The airport is situated 12 miles south of Bergen and is less than half an hour from the city centre.

 

North east of the city rises the Fløyfjell (319m/1,047ft), from which there are magnificent views of the city and the surrounding area, particularly in the early morning or at sunset. The hill can be climbed on foot or by funicular railway.

 

Bergen is also home to Troldhaugen, which was the home of the late Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The house is now a museum dedicated to Grieg and his wife. The name comes from the Norwegian for “troll knoll”, reputedly named after the nearby valley known as “The Valley of Trolls”.

 

As well as Norway, Eastern Airways flies to a network of UK regional airports, including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Newcastle, Southampton, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, East Midlands, Humberside, Norwich, Stornoway and Wick.

 

All passengers flying with Eastern Airways from Aberdeen have access to its dedicated business lounge, while travellers can benefit from fast track security access as well as 30 minute check in times at both Aberdeen and Newcastle.