Air Transport

UK regional carrier Eastern Airways has unveiled its first aircraft livery to be sponsored by local government, repainting one of its aircraft in the colours of Scottish city Aberdeen.

The Norwich-based carrier rolled out the Saab 2000 (G-COKA) in the livery of Aberdeen city and its surrounding local government area, Aberdeenshire earlier this week (pictured below).

The airline says the decision to paint the aircraft, which will serve routes from the UK's largest oil industry city as well as from Abases in Southampton and Newcastle, came after "close consultation with and the support of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum (ACSEF).

The aircraft was unveiled at Aberdeen airport by Graeme Ross, Scotland director for Eastern Airways, at a special presentation attended by the Lords Provost, or ceremonial heads, of both Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire, and representatives from ACSEF.

Photos: Eastern Airways

Left to right: Lord Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Raymond Bisset, Graeme Ross, Scotland director for Eastern Airways and Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Cllr John Reynolds

Graeme Ross says: “The Aberdeen city and shire branding campaign will provide a real fillip for the region and it is imperative that all organisations in the area get behind it. " Audrey Findlay, chairman of the ACSEF says: “Eastern Airways'smanagement team has really grasped the exciting promotional benefits that can be gained in working on this together.”

The move comes as Pakistan International Airlines shifts its tail designs to one of four celebrating Pakistan's four provinces and US Airways is repainiting some of its aircraft in heritage liveries for its constituent carriers. If readers of Flightglobal.com know of similar moves away from standardised liveries, email the editorial team with your spottings.