The airline chief who joined the industry from school and now oversees two million passengers flying to and from Scotland each year is not generally one for unmeasured public comments.

Significant, then, were remarks by Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive of Glasgow-based Loganair, claiming that a low-cost rival that launched head-to-head Glasgow to Southampton flights could risk the future of Scottish routes. Luton-based easyJet said it believes the choice is good for consumers.

Surely competition is good? Mr Hinkles made this point on social media: “For as long as this lasts, it has the potential to damage consumer choice.

"We fly all of these routes throughout the whole year, yet we need to make a profit on busy summer Thursdays to ensure the service remains available on quieter wintry Tuesdays for those needing to travel.

“It’s heartening that so many of our customers understand this, and have supported the Loganair ‘home team’ so that our little yet growing Tartan Army can maintain this essential year-round regional connectivity on this and other routes upon which so many UK consumers and businesses have come to rely."

The Herald: Jonathan Hinkles claimed four other routes were earlier challenged by easyJet but are now only served by LoganairJonathan Hinkles claimed four other routes were earlier challenged by easyJet but are now only served by Loganair (Image: Loganair)

He added: “That customer support is vital - otherwise the overall range of services on the route will dwindle to only those scant handful of days and flight times when both airlines can fly viably. The customer will ultimately be the loser if this prevails – and that’s why we’re as determined as ever to stand up for customers and for regional connectivity. And we will.”

EasyJet said it is constantly reviewing routes. A spokesman said in a statement: “EasyJet offers more domestic connectivity than any other airline in the UK and we are always reviewing the opportunity to operate new routes where we see there is demand and can offer competitive fares which, along with providing greater choice, we believe is good for consumers."

Reporting the row, the Southern Daily Echo points to a fare difference of £100 to £64, while aviation website Simple Flying said Loganair passengers get more for their money including free checked baggage.

Glasgow Airport declined to comment.

Elsewhere, in our Business Insight newsletter, business editor Ian McConnell writes that “amid the general UK economic malaise, it is great to get some good news”.

Official figures this week revealed that economic growth in Scotland was four times the lowly rate previously revealed for the UK as a whole in the first quarter certainly provided some much-needed cheer, and the numbers “are a heartening antidote to some of the negativity”.

In the same newsletter series deputy business editor Scott Wright said: “Many column inches have been devoted to how the relationship between business and the Scottish Government has turned sour in recent years. Now there are hopes that things are about to change for the better.

“The New Deal for Business Group, set up by First Minister Humza Yousaf to improve links between the Scottish Government and private sector, held its second meeting today and it seems to have got off to an encouraging start.”

Also this week, business correspondent Kristy Dorsey exclusively revealed that Mike Ashley's Frasers Group is seeking permission for a multi-million-pound makeover of its flagship store on Buchanan Street in Glasgow. Work is expected to begin within 12 months of the go-ahead. House of Fraser is a stalwart of the city of 170 years standing.