BMI Regional is to continue its expansion into the UK-Norway oil market with the launch of a new service from Aberdeen to Oslo next month.
The daily flight, operated with a 37seater Embraer 135 jet aircraft, will take to the air from October 28.
“Both locations are strategic hubs for oil and gas activity and we believe our flights will offer significant time and efficiency savings for businesses in the North-east of Scotland and Norway,” said Cathal O’Connell, BMI regional chief executive.
“The support and engagement we have received from the oil and gas industry in both Scotland and Norway is very encouraging and we are committed to developing a long term, strategic presence in these markets.”
The move comes after BMI reopened the route from Aberdeen to Kristiansund earlier this year. It had been closed for five years after previous operator City Star Airlines went under.
It also announced plans to operate services between Stavanger and northern Norway from the beginning of next year.
The flights will depart Aberdeen at 4:05pm arriving in Oslo at 6:45pm; the return flight will depart Norway at 7:15pm. Tickets will start at £99 single and £175 return.
The new route was welcomed by the region’s business bodies, who recognise it as an investment opportunity.
“We know that there is significant potential in Norway for our oil and gas supply chain to export their world-leading products and services,” said David Rennie, head of oil and gas at Scottish Enterprise.
“Similarly the new route will also support Norwegian companies looking to develop investment opportunities in Scotland.”