Loganair now claims to be the UK’s largest regional airline after taking over another former Flybe route.
The Scottish carrier is stepping into the breach left by the failure of Flybe by starting flights between the Isle of Man and Liverpool John Lennon airport from tomorrow (Thursday).
The twice-daily service will initially be flown by Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.
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Loganair already operates services from the Isle of Man to Edinburgh and to London City on behalf of BA CityFlyer and is looking to expand its network from the island.
The airline has already taken over 16 former Flybe routes using aircraft based in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Chief executive Jonathan Hinkles 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.”
Isle of Man infrastructure minister Ray Harmer added: “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.
“We already benefit from Loganair services to Scotland and very much hope that more routes will follow in the near future.”
Loganair has experience of delivering services to the NHS in Scotland, where patient travel accounts for around 8% of its business.