Scottish airline Loganair has agreed a deal with British Airways that will allow passengers from the Highlands and islands to book directly on to its global network.

The codeshare agreement will come into effect on September 1 when Loganair begins operating as an independent airline.

The airline said it will enable customers to book directly on to BA services from London's Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports with a "through ticket" that will check-in baggage at their departure point straight through to their destination.

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BA said the partnership will boost tourism in Scotland as well as opening up routes around the world for regional passengers.

The two airlines previously operated as franchise partners between 1994 and 2008 and had a similar codeshare agreement under the Loganair-Flybe franchise.

Rishi Kapoor, BA's head of alliances, said: "We are delighted to be strengthening our business relationship with Loganair with an agreement that will benefit the customers of both airlines.

"We believe the new codeshare agreement will bring enormous benefits to the Highlands and islands, significantly boosting the region's economy by extending the global reach of the area's businesses and communities through British Airways' worldwide network.

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"Additionally, it will boost the region's inbound tourism sector by making it even easier for visitors from all over the world to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful parts of Scotland."

Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: "Today's announcement marks a new and welcome development in the long-standing partnership between British Airways and Scotland's airline Loganair.

"This agreement will offer new travel options to customers connecting via Inverness and Manchester, together with excellent connections between British Airways' global network and Loganair's extensive services in the Highlands and islands."