Loganair is backing expansion from the north east by becoming official airline partner of Premiership rugby side Newcastle Falcons for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
The sponsorship deal is part of plans to deploy an additional Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet at Newcastle airport from the start of the summer schedule on March 26, which will also create a further 16 jobs at the base.
The regional airline is offering almost 200,000 seats to seven destinations, representing a 40% increase in capacity compared to last year.
The new schedule from Newcastle includes the return of up to double daily flights to Aberdeen, together with the a new one-stop same-plane service to Oslo via Aberdeen.
Loganair passengers will be given the chance to win tickets to home games at Kingston Park as part of a launch competition.
The airline and Newcastle Falcons are understood to be in positive discussions about extending the deal to next season.
Loganair chief commercial officer Luke Lovegrove said:“Our exciting partnership with the Newcastle Falcons highlights what’s possible with our commitment to new regional air services at Newcastle airport.
“We’re delighted that the team can benefit from the connectivity Loganair provides, and we’re confident the expansion at Newcastle will benefit many others too; supporting more local jobs, the local economy, and providing customers in the north east with a greater choice of routes and timings.”