Collapse of Eastern Airways is setback for staff, customers, Humberside Airport and regional economy

                                         

The collapse of Eastern Airways is a blow to Humberside Airport where the carrier had its HQ

THIS week's collapse of Eastern Airways - is a serious jolt to the local economy.

Some 300-plus staff now face redundancy, and business and destination opportunities are lost to  travellers.

The sad development also diminishes the importance of Humberside airport where Eastern Airways has been based since being set up 28 years ago,

The carrier used a fleet of 14 aircraft which are now thought to be variously stranded at various UK airports, plus at Saarbrueken in Germany and Dinard in France, pending  return to their lessors. 

Having launched in 1997 with a single route between Humberside and Aberdeen to help service the oil industry, the airline expanded to operate flights from six UK airports: Humberside, London Gatwick,  Teesside International, Aberdeen, Wick and Newquay. 

Two of these routes - Aberdeen to Wick and Newquay to London - were Government-funded.

It is understood Scottish airline Loganair and  rail  companies are helping stranded passengers to reach their destinations.

Information is so far scant on the reasons for Eastern's collapse.