Preedee TeoWhile most of us imagine flights as long-haul journeys, there’s a one-of-a-kind Scottish flight that takes just one and a half minutes to complete its journey. Operated by Loganair, this flight ferries doctors, students, and laymen between the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray.
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A quick hop across the water
Papa Westray Airport | Image credit: Arwyn Harris via Flickr
Imagine taking a flight that’s over before you can even finish your coffee. That’s this one! This incredibly short flight is so brief that the actual flying time is often less than a minute. It’s faster than many flights take to reach cruising altitude. In fact, no one has yet to surpass the record for the fastest flight set by pilot Stuart Linklater which is 53 seconds.
The flight covers a distance of about 2.7km across the water, which is roughly the same length as the runway at Edinburgh Airport. The flights are combined with routes to Kirkwall for an integrated and seamless travel route.
Blink on the world’s shortest flight, you won’t miss a thing
Image credit: Rob Hodgkins | Flickr
The airline uses Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander aircraft, featuring a cosy interior with 10 passenger seats. Passengers in the front row can get close to the action watching the pilot in the cockpit.
For the uninitiated, Papa Westray is a largely uninhabited island of about 70 inhabitants who take the world’s shortest flight for essential purposes. In recent years, travellers have boarded the same flight for a novel experience at this popular destination.
While it seems like you’ll miss everything in the blink of an eye, this flight offers plenty of scenic views, providing an escape into a slower pace of life. Papa Westray is known for its rugged and beautiful landscapes, including sandy beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills.
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Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the flight’s passengers are likely to be struck by the beauty of the islands and the simplicity of their lives. The journey on the world’s shortest flight may feel like an instant, but the memories it creates can last a lifetime.
Featured image credit: (Flight route) Mentourpilot | Official Website; (Plane) The Independent | Official Website
