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Highland launch tri-lingual website
13 March 2008
Airline launches first website catering for Gaelic, Welsh and English travellers.
Inverness-based Highland Airways has scored a world-first with the launch of its new tri-lingual website, allowing Gaelic, Welsh and English speaking customers to book flights on-line in their own languages.
The new highlandairways.co.uk, which represents an investment of over £10,000 was launched today (Thursday 13 March 2008) by commercial director Basil O'Fee during a speech to the press at Cardiff Airport.
"We service business and leisure customers on the fringes of GB, where our indigenous languages still thrive. Translating our website into both Scottish Gaelic and Welsh was therefore a natural decision for us.
"Over the past six months we've worked closely with the Welsh Language Board and the Comunn na Gaidhlig, and other enthusiasts, to translate over 40,000 words on 100 different pages.
"We know that everyone appreciates being able to transact business in their own mother tongue, and we are delighted to extend this courtesy to our customers in Wales and Scotland. There can't be many businesses who find themselves in the same position as ourselves, being so exposed to the Celtic fringe, and the beautiful distinct destinations that are found there."
Highland Airways offers daily weekday services between Inverness, Stornoway and Benbecula and between Cardiff and Anglesey. It will soon launch a new service between Oban, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.
All the routes are Public Service Obligations, meaning they are recognised as vital airlinks deserving of subsidy by the Welsh Assembly or relevant Local Authorities.
During his speech Mr O'Fee also looked forward to the first anniversary of the company's Cardiff-Anglesey route.
Since Highland Airways collaborated with Cardiff Airport, Anglesey Council and VisitWales for the launch last May 2007 flights have been running at over 80% capacity, exceeding all expectations.
"Around 14,000 passengers will use this route in the first full year, almost 5,000 more than we expected. This service has greatly enhanced travel options within Wales demonstrating how potent aviation can be in transforming connectivity.
"Already some are considering whether we should increase the number of flights or use larger aircraft, which is a fantastic position to be in."
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