May 2018 marked the start of Loganair’s new route between Inverness and Bergen, a beautiful city on Norway’s west coast. I flew on the new route to experience what Norway has to offer.
This year-round service is operated by Loganair using the Embraer Regional Jet aircraft, flying direct from Inverness Airport. Loganair’s extensive UK and international network enables you to travel with ease and simplicity, and with Inverness serving many cities in the Loganair network, Bergen is only a short hop away.
Since ‘going solo’ in 2017, Loganair has seen a sizable growth in its network and with Norway being such a popular and loved destination, a direct flight between Inverness and Bergen was really fitting.
The introduction of the Embraer Regional Jet aircraft to Loganair’s fleet has had a positive impact on customer experience. With a maximum cruise speed of just under 600mph, the fast jet aircraft has reduced flight times significantly. The two rear mounted turbofan engines help to reduce overall cabin noise, and a spacious cabin with 50 seats all contribute to a more pleasant in-flight experience.
The Outbound Journey
Inverness Airport is a relatively small airport which means the preflight process is quick and simple. Loganair offers a generous 20kgs holdall baggage allowance as well as your carry-on items. With my bag checked in and after clearing security I headed for the gate. Having just arrived from Manchester, the aircraft was quickly refueled on the stand and along with the other passengers I boarded shortly after that.
The crew onboard the outbound flight was Captain Doug, First Officer Jeremy, and Cabin Supervisor Faith. I was greeted at the top of the airstair by Faith who was very welcoming and kindly directed me to my seat. The cabin on the ERJ 145 is configured in 18 rows of 3 abreast seating; with a double seat on the starboard side and a single one the port side of the aircraft. With very comfortable, leather reclining seats, this spacious cabin configuration provides ample leg room and stowage space for your carry-on items.
We quickly backtracked the runway for a departure out to the west, before circling around to the east. We then continued along the Moray coast towards Aberdeen before routing over the North Sea towards Bergen. The high performance of the ERJ aircraft meant that we had reached our cruise altitude of 35,000ft in around 20 minutes. The flight was extremely smooth throughout the climb and cruise stages.
Loganair have a complimentary trolley service onboard their flights, offering tea, coffee, soft drinks as well as sweet and savory snacks: the highlight for me being the famous Scottish Tunnocks Wafer!
The Return Journey
The layout of Bergen Airport means that you are efficiently checked in and through security within minutes. The terminal is large but it wasn’t very busy so there were no queues. Once through security I found that there were few shops and restaurants open, however this may have been because I was travelling on Constitution Day which is a national holiday in Norway. The flight was boarding from the ‘F Gates’ in the international terminal where there were cafes and restaurants open.
The aircraft arrived early and we boarded shortly after. The crew on the return fight was Captain Andy, First Officer Jeremy and Cabin Supervisor Emma. It was a quick turnaround with the door closed just minutes after the last passengers boarded. After a short taxi to runway 35 we departed to the North and circled back south towards Aberdeen. The views as we flew over the small islands on the west coast of Norway were stunning. We soon reached our cruising altitude of 36,000ft, a comfortable flight with very little turbulence.
Once again, we had a delightful service with complimentary snacks and refreshments. After flying over the North Sea, we routed along the Moray coast towards Inverness before entering the downwind approach for runway 05 at Inverness Airport. We touched down smoothly and had taxied to the stand within minutes.
Comments