Flybe collapsed into administration last week and now Scottish-based Loganair has taken on the Liverpool to Isle of Man service used frequently by hospital patients. Tony McDonough reports

Loganair is to take over collapsed Flybe’s route between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the Isle of Man – a link frequently used by hospital patients.

Flybe was the UK’s biggest regional airline until its collapse into administration last week, following a troubled few months. Last week Loganair, based in Scotland, said it would take over 16 other Flybe routes around UK.

Now the carrier has agreed to take on the twice-daily service between Liverpool and the Isle of Man starting from Thursday, March 12. It will initially operate using a Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.

Patient travel is hugely important to the Isle of Man and Loganair has extensive experience of delivering services to the NHS in Scotland, where patient travel accounts for around 8% of its business.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair chief executive, said “We understand how important this link is to the Isle of Man, and we have worked with the Isle of Man Government to provide this initial interim service. We fully expect to announce an expansion of our services in the coming weeks.”

“We are interested in principle in providing a further range of services to and from the Isle of Man, including operating the Liverpool route on a permanent basis and are in advanced talks about restoring the Manchester and Birmingham routes, also lost in the collapse of Flybe.”

Loganair already operates services from the Isle of Man to Edinburgh and to London City on behalf of BA CityFlyer.

The Isle of Man’s Infrastructure Minister, Ray Harmer MHK, welcomed the news, adding: “I am really pleased that we have been able to restore scheduled flights on this route so quickly. I am sure this will be welcomed by Isle of Man patients who need to get their health appointments in the United Kingdom and by the many Island residents who wish to travel to Liverpool for business or pleasure.”