Loganair, an airline established in 1962 is still flying. That’s some accomplishment in this day and age, especially given the recent demise of sister company Flybmi.
Over the years, Loganair has operated as Loganair, British Airways Express, and Flybe.
In 2017, they announced that they would start operating under their own name again, which led to a very damaging fight with Flybe, who it appears, felt snubbed.
This trip report is from 2017 so was just as Loganair were ‘independent’ again. Sorry for the delay.
This is a route I have wanted to try for a long time - Glasgow to Barra. The reason? Barra runway is on a beach! Flight times vary to fit the tides and a short day trip is usually possible.
There isn’t a lot to say about the flights really, the aircraft on the route are Viking Twin Otters - great little aircraft although a little cramped for my liking. So permit me to allow the pictures to tell the story!
Our carriage awaits…
The cabin…
Legroom was tight…
The pilot carried out the airline safety debriefing…
The inflight safety card…
Loganair's first ever inflight magazine since their 'independence'…
Flying over Glasgow, naturally we didn't fly very high…
Scotland has some beautiful beaches, although the water might not be very welcoming!
And we really do land on the beach!
The airport is a buzz of activity, including the arrival of the daily newspapers. The baggage reclaim area is outside the airport building.
Because of the tides today, the return flights to Glasgow were at 1400 and 1430 hours, as shown on the departure board.
Some images from Barra, can you spot the windsock?
You can post a letter at the entrance to the airport!
The departure area at Barra. Note that there is no formal security checks at this airport. The reasoning is that with such small planes, anyone out to do anything dodgy would be easily identifiable. This means that when you land at Glasgow you must go through security for any connecting flight.
The airport is keen that you know your rights!
The second flight arrived before long…
And that was my day trip to Barra! An experience not to be forgotten!
Hi Sealink, nice to see a report from you! And what a cool and exotic report it is. Landing on a beach runway has been on my bucket list for a long time. The only other beach runway I know of is in the British Virgin Islands.
Thanks again for this AvGeek-y report!
Small aircraft, small flight, big memories ;)
Nice FR, thanks to share !
Hi Sealink, great report of this very unique route and airport! Definitely something special!
Haha, the famous landing on the beach of Barra !
I did not know there was enough demand for two flights - I presume of course that you can't land a much heavier aircraft on this "runway".
I like the Loganair livery better.
Like a number of visitors of this website, I would love boarding this flight some day in the future.Thanks for sharing !
My assumption was correct : the description of the Twin Otter in Wikipedia that "Trials in Barra with heavier planes than the Twin Otter, like the Short 360, failed because they sank in the sand."
Thanks for this flight report Sealink! I love reading about unique flights such as this.
Thanks fpr this FR.
What a unique AvGeek daytrip to do.
A scenic flight and beautiful beaches indeed.
Hope it works out ok for Loganair on their own.