A new UK regional airline force is being created through an alliance between Flybe and Eastern Airways.
A five-year franchise deal will see Humberside airport-based Eastern operate its scheduled route network under the Flybe brand.
A joint revenue and risk sharing agreement covering four Eastern aircraft will see them to fly existing Flybe routes from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.
The four aircraft will be operated under the Flybe franchise and “significantly improve” connectivity for Scotland.
The aim is for contracts to be finalised and signed within the next few weeks.
However, tickets will go on sale immediately and flights will start operating under the new arrangements from September.
The deal follows Flybe ending a franchise flying agreement with Scottish carrier Loganair from August.
Eastern Airways will operate some of these routes, including Aberdeen-Sumburgh, Glasgow-Sumburgh, Edinburgh-Sumburgh, Glasgow-Manchester, Aberdeen-Kirkwall, and Glasgow-Stornoway under the Flybe franchise agreement from September 1.
The Eastern scheduled network will also to be available to book on Flybe.com September 1, including routes between Aberdeen, Norwich, Teesside, Newcastle, Southampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Paris
Eastern operates scheduled domestic and short haul international services and private charter services, with hubs at Aberdeen, Norwich, Teesside, Newcastle, Southampton, Leeds, Cardiff and Paris.
Flybe chief executive, Christine Ourmieres-Widener, said: “This alliance with Eastern Airways is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the Flybe network.
“We already operate flights at a number of common airports and this will enable passengers to connect to a greater number of destinations, across the UK and into Europe, all booked through Flybe.com.
“Eastern will operate routes from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester to offer an enhanced service to passengers based in Scotland and travelling to Scotland.
“Combined with our flights to Heathrow from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, this demonstrates our strong commitment to serving Scotland.
Eastern Airways chief executive, Richard Lake, said: “This alliance will benefit both airlines as not only does it strengthen Flybe’s network, but broadens our distribution and enhances connection opportunities for our customers through its global airline association.
“We have specialised in fixed-wing flying in the oil and gas market for many years and our expertise will provide a greater opportunity to further develop offshore connectivity to Flybe’s network.”