Loganair celebrates 50 years of serving Scotland and beyond
Published by Simon Gwynn on Thu 09 Feb 12 @ 14:30
- Scotland's Airline marks half century in spectacular style at Glasgow Airport -
Loganair has launched a year-long celebration to mark the company's 50 years as "Scotland's Airline".
Chairman Scott Grier was joined by Platinum Partner Glasgow Airport's managing director Amanda McMillan to cut a specially-commissioned cake in celebration of Loganair's half-century landmark.
A spectacular water cannon salute, normally reserved to mark the launch of a new route, was also performed by Glasgow Airport's Fire Department to honour the 50-year milestone.
The airline got the year of anniversary festivities off to a flying start by hosting a special dinner recently at the University of Glasgow's Bute Hall.
Guests at the VIP evening included Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP, key customers and business associates and many of Loganair's longest-serving employees from its 440-strong team drawn from bases throughout the country.
Scott Grier, who led a management buy-out of the company in 1997 and set about rebuilding the operation to become Scotland's Airline, hailed the unique achievement of Loganair's 50 years in the aviation business.
He said: "No other airline has operated for nearly as long under its original name. During the lifetime of Loganair, at least 50 Scottish-based airlines and aviation companies have come and gone, but we're still here and thriving.
"There have always been airline failures and this will continue, but we're in good shape to face the endemic uncertainties and vagaries of the airline industry for the next 50 years."
Mr Grier, who will also publish a book charting the airline's fascinating history, added: "Following the buy-out in 1997, the company had just five 8-seat Britten-Norman Islander and a single Twin Otter aircraft. Today, Loganair now operates a fleet of 20 aircraft delivering vital services throughout Scotland and beyond."
To commemorate the anniversary the company's fleet of aircraft will carry the new "Serving Scotland for 50 years - 1962 to 2012" logo featuring a Saltire and the Loganair name.
Loganair's headquarters and hangar at Glasgow Airport will also carry the 50th anniversary signage.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: "In reaching such a significant milestone, Loganair has firmly cemented its place in Scottish aviation history. Only a small number of airlines can lay claim to having enjoyed such longevity and Glasgow Airport is proud to be the home of what is Scotland's national airline.
"Loganair's success can be attributed to the dedication and enthusiasm of its team led by Scott Grier, who has been instrumental in steering the company through the recent economic downturn and ensuring it is well placed to tackle yet another 50 years."
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: "I would like to offer my congratulations to the management and staff at Loganair on behalf of everyone here at the Chamber.
"Loganair has played a pivotal role over the last half century ensuring that connectivity between Glasgow and some of Scotland's most remote areas not only remained, but continues to thrive to this day.
"The moniker of 'Scotland's Airline' is most certainly apt."
