Loganair has adjusted its fuel surcharge on new ticket sales in response to changes in global fuel prices.
The airline, which announced the surcharge in March this year as worldwide oil prices increased, has set out three zones to apportion the surcharge on an equitable basis in line with distance travelled.
This means that the fuel surcharge on the shortest flights - under 200 miles and typically covering lifeline routes to and from the Scottish Islands and the Isle of Man - will fall from its current £3.95 per flight to £1.95 from 9 September.
It is in line with Loganair’s original pledge to cut the surcharge when the price of Brent Crude falls below $110 per barrel for more than six consecutive weeks.
However, the cost increase across the industry is still significant, especially in view of the deteriorating US dollar exchange rate against UK Sterling, given that oil is globally traded in US dollars.
As such, the airline has now set out differentiated surcharges for two groups of longer routes where travel is more than 200 miles.
- Zone 1 under 200 miles £1.95 - reduces from £3.95.
- Zone 2 between 200 and 300 miles - remains the same £3.95.
- Zone 3 for routes over 300 miles - increases to £5.95.
The new structure should ensure that customers are not unfairly penalised when it comes to the actual fuel burn that is created by the distance of the route.
Chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “Fuel prices remain highly volatile and a combination of US dollar exchange rates and refinery costs means that we’re paying more for fuel today than we were in March.
“Therefore, it’s only right that we address the balance and as we go into the winter, it is essential that we adjust charges to reflect these costs.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep customers completely updated with any changes.”
The changes to the fuel surcharge are determined by the date of booking and not the date of travel, therefore the new zone rates will only apply on bookings made from 9 September.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
