A Glasgow airline has officially bid farewell to its iconic fleet while also raising an incredible amount for charity.

Loganair staged a special weekend of events to pay tribute to the Saab 340 fleet as it retires after more than 24 years of service. 

Aviation enthusiasts flocked to Glasgow Airport on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21 for tours of the Saab 340, ATR 42 and Twin Otter flights and 45-minute circuit flights over Loch Lomond and the Clyde coast. 

Proceeds from the tours and 'farewell' flights resulted in the firm raising more than £18,500 for its charity partner Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which supports children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. 

A range of Loganair and Saab memorabilia on sale, a raffle and a silent auction for a day’s work experience in Loganair’s Glasgow hangar was also held,  which contributed to the funds.

Guests came from as far afield as Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and even Hong Kong to say goodbye to the Saab 340.

Luke Lovegrove, CCO of Loganair, said: “We were determined to send off our last Saab 340 aircraft with the fanfare they deserve, but had no idea our plans would be so warmly embraced by the aviation community.

"Thanks to their enthusiasm and the generosity of our staff, who kindly volunteered their time, we raised over £18,500 for CHAS, which will make a big difference to the families that they support.

“It was a fitting end to a fantastic 24 years of operating these workhorses of the skies.”

CHAS' chief executive Rami Okasha added: “Loganair has used this momentous event to support the work of CHAS, helping to raise vital funds and awareness so we can provide unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys.

“We are aware that the Saab Fleet is highly regarded and holds fond memories for many people.

"It was this aircraft that took CHAS families on a scenic tour of the Highlands and Islands back in Spring 2022.

"This was the first time many of our families had ever experienced being on a plane, so it holds fond memories for CHAS too.

"We are delighted that this is our third year of being partnered with Loganair and we are extremely appreciative of their continued efforts in supporting our charity.”

We previously reported that Loganair has been replacing eight Saab 340s aircraft with Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR's turboprops in recent months.

Both the flights and hangar tours were sold out on the same day they were put on release.

Ronald Leitch, interim chief operations officer for AGS Airports which owns Glasgow Airport, said: "The programme to retire the Saab 340 has been a fantastic success and Loganair should be congratulated for ensuring that its final goodbye helped raise so much for such a great cause.

"The fleet has served Loganair and its passengers well for decades, so it was only fitting the aircraft got the send-off it deserved. I must also say congratulations to Captain Eddie Watt, who piloted the last flight on what was his final day before retirement.

"I’m sure it’s a memory he’ll fondly remember for years to come.

“The final flight was well attended not only by the airline’s staff but also many people across the terminal given its long history of operating in and out of Glasgow and our sister airports in Aberdeen and Southampton.

"It’s an aircraft that was synonymous with the uniqueness of Loganair as an airline and it will be strange not hearing the distinctive sound of the Saab 340’s propellors."