World’s Shortest Commercial Flight

Tuesday, 30th March 2010 by

The world's shortest commercial flight is between the airports on the islands of Papa Westray and Westray in the Orkney Islands. Part of the daily service operated by Logan Air, the journey has a scheduled duration of just 2 minutes and carries passengers a total of 9 miles (14 km).

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The island service is like a bus route, transporting residents, students and tourists around the Orkney islands. Tourists who take the flight are apparently presented with a certificate signed by the captain and a souvenir bottle of Orkney whisky to commemorate the occasion. The whole sightseeing trip costs £39 return (yes, including taxes).

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A single flight produces approximately 0.1 tonnes (224 lb) of CO which would cost around £1.15 ($1.74) to offset under the UK Government's carbon offsetting assurance scheme.

By contrast, flight SQ21 between New York's Newark and Singapore airports, operated by Singapore Airlines, is the world's longest commercial flight - covering 9,523 miles (15,325 km) in around 18 hours and 40 minutes.

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One way economy, this trip costs £2,610.14 ($3,903), and produces 1.9 tonnes of CO - which can be offset for just £21.85 ($33.32).

Watch a (very short) video of the world's shortest commercial flight on YouTube. Or for bookings, see the summer 2010 schedule.