Surfbirds News

The archipelago, described by many as 'a magnet for birders and twitchers alike' is once again to benefit from a direct service from Stansted.

Shetland is also able to boast that it is officially one of the best unspoilt island destinations on the planet, having achieved third place in an in-depth review by National Geographic Traveler magazine. The 522 experts concluding the islands 'have got everything with bells on'!

Atlantic Puffin, Shetland Islands, © Rebecca Nason, from the surfbirds galleries

The Atlantic Airways flights will be twice weekly (Fridays and Mondays) and run from May 23 to August 29.

Shetland is famous for its spectacular birdlife. With more than 100 islands, it boasts an extensive coastline festooned with puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gannets, fulmars and shags. Shetland is also home to more great skuas than anywhere else in the world and these ferocious birds, along with their Arctic cousins, patrol the islands' skies.

Breeding populations and passage migrants are also complemented by numerous rarities. 164 of the 250 species listed on the Online Guide to Rarer British Birds have been spotted on Shetland.

As well as birds there are also many other wildlife attractions amidst the rugged scenery. The islands are frequented by dolphins, porpoises and other whales while orcas are regular visitors, coming to hunt seals off the coast.

Otters are also abundant and Shetland is one of the rare places where these elusive creatures can be spotted with some ease.

The numerous walking routes all across the islands are popular as they provide contact with wildlife and spectacular views to a degree unprecedented in much of Britain.

Until Atlantic Airways started providing the direct service from Stansted, the Shetland Islands were not easily accessible from southern England or the midlands. This is the only scheduled service to Shetland from anywhere in England.

Magni Arge, CEO of Atlantic Airways, said: "Thousands of people travel to Shetland every year to see the spectacular wildlife and experience the friendly welcome of the islanders. With this service we are opening up this magnificent destination for millions more."

Notes:

1) Atlantic Airways was founded in 1987 and began operating scheduled flights in 1988. The 2007 schedule includes Copenhagen, Aalborg, Billund, Stavanger, Oslo, Reykjavik, London Stansted, Aberdeen and Shetland.

2) Services between Shetland (Sumburgh), and London (Stansted) operate twice weekly from May 23 to August 29. www.flyshetland.com

3) Atlantic Airways operates a modern all-jet fleet of BAe RJ/146. The four-engined aircraft seat from 84 to 95 passengers.

4) Atlantic Airways' busiest route is its service from the Faroe Islands to Copenhagen, which operates up to five times daily.

5) Atlantic Airways also operates local helicopter services within the 18 Faroe Islands, as well as holding the contract to provide air-sea and other rescue services.

6) Atlantic Airways also provides direct services between London Stansted and
The Faroe Islands. www.flyfaroe.com