Shortest scheduled flight-world record set
by Loganair
WESTRAY, Scotland--The plane journey from Papa
Westray to Westray in the Orkney Islands, using the Loganair
service, takes just 96 seconds, covering a distance of little
over a mile and setting the world record for the Shortest
scheduled flight. Photo: Six teenagers-Leanne, Rowan, Holly,
Shane and Solan- are to take the Loganair service to Westray
Junior High after the local ferry service was suspended. Photo:
Orkney Photographic/Ken Amer (enlarge
photo)
Holly Crocker, Leanne Cursiter, Solan and
Cassia Dodman, Shane Houston and Rowan Pierce, all aged 13
and 14, will make a twominute flight from Papa Westray to
Westray in the Orkney Islands to go to Westray Junior High.
The distance covered by the Shortest
scheduled flight is just over a mile - shorter than
the runway at Glasgow airport.
The Loganair
school run service will last until the end of the year, when
the ferry returns to service. Meanwhile, the kids will fly
four times a week and stay overnight twice a week with families
on Westray - which has about 60 residents - while Papa Westray
is home to just 70 people.
Willie McEwen, acting headteacher at Westray
Junior High School, said: "Our children will enjoy the flying
especially as, at this time of the year, it can be quite rough
on the boat. "This kind of flexibility and adaptability is
an essential part of island life and the youngsters take it
all in their stride."
They've been unable to get to school on
Westray because their ferry is being refurbished. However,
bosses at Loganair
have come to the rescue - and are jetting the kids on an Islander
aircraft to school.
Council bosses are picking up the tab for
the flights, which cost £20 for a return ticket.
The schedule for the eight-seater plane
has been adjusted to allow the children to make their classes.
Loganair
boss Jonathan Hinkles said: "The flight is listed in
the Book
of Records as the world's
shortest. It is a popular tourist route for many visitors
to Scotland but it is also a vital link for people who live
in Orkney.
"It will make all the difference in ensuring
the children from Papa Westray can continue their schooling
throughout the winter." Related world records: Largest
cruise ship-world record set by Oasis of the Seas