NEW flight services from a North-East airport have officially taken off.

Durham Tees Valley Airport will now operate up to three weekday non-stop Loganair flights to and from Aberdeen, as well as a non-stop flight on six days a week to and from Norwich.

Following Loganair’s arrival at the airport, based at Middleton St George, near Darlington, terminal improvements have been made to remodel the departure lounge and create a new café and bar area.

The airport’s chief executive, Steve Gill, said the launch heralded “a very significant week in delivering our plans for securing the future of Durham Tees Valley Airport and its contribution to the region’s economy”.

He added: “The arrival of a well-established airline such as Loganair is exactly in line with the strategy in our business plan to concentrate on supporting and developing services focused on providing vital connectivity to the business community.”

The Loganair services are operated by a 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft, with all fares including a 20kg checked baggage allowance and in-flight refreshments.