TV star Lorraine Kelly - who lives in Dundee, and Beano favourite Dennis the Menace - an iconic export of the city, joined Loganair’s Chief Operating Officer Phil Preston and other passengers on the inaugural flight to Stansted where Head of Terminal Neil Banks was waiting to welcome them with a traditional water arch salute from the Stansted Airport Fire Service.
The new connection, operated by Flybe franchise partner Loganair, will operate twice daily on weekdays with one return journey on Sunday. With fares are as low as £74.99 including tax and generous 20kg baggage allowance this will be very popular for business and leisure travel.
Speaking at the launch of the first flight Loganair’s Chief Operating Officer Phil Preston said: "We are extremely honoured to have helped establish this service today between London Stansted and Dundee, and I’m happy to be joined by both Lorraine and Dennis for the inaugural flight.
"The commencement of the service is another milestone for Loganair as it will be the first time the airline has operated to and from London Stansted – one of the UK’s busiest international transport hubs.
"The Stansted service continues to provide passengers from Dundee and the greater region with a convenient, direct route to one of the world’s most desirable cities and access to vital business and tourism links.
"Equally, the route can help showcase the best Dundee has to offer to potential visitors from the south east of England. Make no mistake, Dundee is a city on the up and we hope this new service will encourage many visitors to discover this for themselves."
Welcoming the new service was Stansted Airport’s Head of Terminal Neil Banks who commented: "This new connection is a great boost to our growing route network and I’m delighted to welcome Flybe and franchise partner Loganair to Stansted.
"This is an important service for the City of Dundee as a direct link to London and will be equally as popular for business and leisure passengers departing Stansted, especially keen golfers with championship courses St Andrews, Gleneagles and Carnoustie on the doorstep of Dundee.
"This is the first of many new routes to join our growing route network this week and I’d like to wish Flybe and franchise partner Loganair every success with this new service."
Lorraine Kelly arrived into Stansted on the inaugural flight. She said: "The London Stansted service is great news for Dundee. Business people will probably use the service the most, but I’m sure there will be plenty of long weekends planned in the next few months by Dundonians keen to experience all that London has to offer.
"And let’s not forget the City of Discovery has plenty to offer visitors from the south east of England too, not least the stunning new waterfront-based V&A museum set to open next year."
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For further information and to make a reservation visit www.flybe.com, or call 0871 700 2000.
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