Flights from Aberdeen to Birmingham and Newcastle are to resume, as Loganair begins restoring full services.

The first flights to Birmingham and Newcastle are set to take off today.

Services to Birmingham will operate on four days each week - Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday - before building from late August to two flights a day in each direction and a Sunday service.

Loganair took on the Birmingham route following the collapse of Flybe in March.

Flights between Aberdeen and Newcastle will operate every weekday afternoon and on Sundays, building to a twice-daily schedule by mid-July.

Loganair is the largest operator at Aberdeen Airport.

Jonathan Hinkles, the airline's chief executive, said: "With many businesses turning their thoughts to restarting work after the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK's regional air connectivity will be more important than ever.

"For the sake of the recovery of the UK economy, we must enable key workers across the oil and gas, construction, service and healthcare sectors to travel swiftly, comfortably and safely throughout the country."

Slight manufacturing recovery in May

Manufacturing in the UK recovered slightly in May, after hitting all-time lows in April at the height of the coronavirus lockdown, according to the latest IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index.

The index recorded a score of 40.1 for May - anything above 50 is seen as growth - improving from 32.6 in April, although the level is still at historic lows not seen since the global financial crisis, the survey added.

Ted Baker taps shareholders for £95m

Ted Baker plans to raise £95 million to help it ride out the coronavirus crisis, the fashion brand said as pre-tax losses slumped to £80m for the year to January 25.

The fashion brand, known for its clothing with quirky details, is the latest British firm to seek cash from shareholders as the coronavirus pandemic plunges the economy into recession.

Even before the crisis, Ted Baker was struggling to recover from setbacks including an accounting scandal, profit warnings and a management shake-up after founder Ray Kevlin stepped down amid misconduct allegations. Total revenues last year fell by 1.4% to £630.5m while the pre-tax loss of £79.9m was down from the previous year’s £30.7m profit.

The company plans to gradually re-open stores from the middle of this month, in line with government guidance.