British Airways flights from the Isle of Man will be operated by partner airline Loganair from this autumn.

The airline has signed a new lease agreement with Loganair to operate the London City service from September 1 this year when the current agreement with Eastern Airways comes to an end.

There have been frequent complaints about cancellations of London City flights in recent weeks due to technical reasons.

BA is leasing a Saab 2000 aircraft from Loganair, who currently operate as a codeshare partner on the airline’s Highlands and Islands services in Scotland.

Luke Hayhoe, BA’s general manager commercial and customer, said: ‘We’re delighted to enter into a partnership with Loganair, the two companies have had a business relationship for over quarter of a century.

’The new lease agreement will ensure customers in the Isle of Man have a punctual and reliable service to London City Airport on three daily services, with onward connections to 31 destinations operated by British Airways direct from the Docklands airport.’

Loganair managing director, Jonathan Hinkles said: ’We’re very much looking forward to expanding our partnership with British Airways through this new arrangement to operate the Isle of Man’s flagship service to London City.

’I’m also pleased that Loganair will continue to support important jobs in the community through the local employment of pilots and cabin crew in the Isle of Man to fly the route.’