Eastern Airways’ popular Bergen service from Newcastle International Airport recommences on Monday (28 March 2011) for the summer season.

The UK regional airline re-introduces the daily weekday non-stop service with a 10.30 departure from Newcastle, which arrives in Bergen at 1.35pm local time.  Flights leave Bergen at 2.30pm and land in Newcastle at 3.35pm.

The busy heliport at Bergen Flesland Airport serves the Norwegian offshore oil and gas industry.  Norway’s second largest city is also the gateway to the fjords and the air services will link with onward cruises.

Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ commercial director, said: “The re-introduction of our Bergen summer service demonstrates our continued support for Newcastle, which is our second largest base in the UK.  Offshore workers and business travellers will be able to take advantage of this convenient non-stop service.  Bergen has had strong links with the north east for many years and is also a popular short break destination for those visiting the city.”

Chris Sanders, aviation development director at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We welcome the return of flights to Bergen for the summer schedule.  This Scandinavian destination is a key market for inbound tourism.  Norway is a beautiful country and the city of Bergen makes a wonderful short break destination with many of the city’s excellent bars and restaurants located around the stunning harbour.  Access to this captivating city provides a gateway for cruises to the majestic fjords and to spectacular mountain scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.  We hope it proves a popular choice with our customers.”

Mike Pedersen from the north east based Norwegian Collaboration Centre, said: “We have a backlog of companies from the UK wishing to travel to Bergen, to build up their business activities. We are looking forward to using Eastern Airways’ convenient connection from Newcastle to Bergen, to access the £16 billion per year spend on the Norwegian oil and gas industry.”

Eastern Airways has been operating scheduled services from Newcastle since 2003 and also offers services to the Norwegian city of Stavanger.  The airline also provides day return services to Aberdeen, Birmingham and Cardiff from Newcastle.

Passengers flying with Eastern Airways benefit from 30 minute check-in to boarding times on international flights and have access to a fast track security channel at Newcastle to avoid any queues at security search.

There are no additional costs for check-in, baggage and all passengers are offered onboard complimentary drinks and snacks.

Eastern Airways, which was formed 13 years ago, initially built its network of scheduled services up the east coast of the UK focusing on the North Sea offshore industry.  The airline is the UK’s second largest regional carrier and has a fleet of 30 aircraft flying from 21 airports in the UK, Ireland, Norway and France.