Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Eastern Airways was partly owned by Bristow Group from 2014 and was fully sold out of the Bristow group in 2019. Bristow sold the airline to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited, a company controlled by Eastern Airways co-founder Richard Lake. The operating airline stopped flying on 27 October 2025 and entered administration on 6 November 2025, so it is not operating today.
Quick Answer
Bristow Group bought 60% of Eastern Airways in February 2014 and later held all its shares. Bristow sold the airline to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited on 10 May 2019. Richard Lake controls that holding company. However, Eastern Airways stopped flying in October 2025 and its operating company remains in administration.
Key Takeaways
- Bristow acquired a 60% interest in Eastern Airways on 6 February 2014 for £27 million, with possible additional earn-out payments.
- Bristow sold all its Eastern Airways shares on 10 May 2019 to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited, which is controlled by Richard Lake.
- Eastern Airways ceased operations on 27 October 2025 and entered administration on 6 November 2025.
- The airline is no longer accepting bookings or operating passenger flights.
Who Owned Eastern Airways?
The ownership answer depends on the date. Bristow Helicopters acquired a 60% interest in Eastern Airways International Limited on 6 February 2014. Bristow later reported that it held a 100% interest before selling all the shares on 10 May 2019.
The buyer was Orient Industrial Holdings Limited. Bristow’s 2019 filing identifies the buyer as an entity affiliated with Richard Lake. Current Companies House records list Orient Industrial Holdings Limited as the controlling party for Eastern Airways International Limited and list Richard Lake as the person with significant control over Orient Industrial Holdings Limited.
Note: The holding companies can remain active on the company register even though the airline’s operating companies have stopped flying. Eastern Airways (UK) Limited is in administration, so the brand is not a functioning passenger airline.
What Was Eastern Airways?
Eastern Airways was a UK regional airline founded in 1997. Its first service linked Humberside with Aberdeen, a route that matched the travel needs of businesses connected to the North Sea energy sector. The airline later developed a mix of scheduled passenger flights, charter work, public service obligation routes, and wet-lease operations for other airlines.
Its fleet changed over time. Early services used the Fairchild Swearingen Metro, while the BAe Jetstream 41 became one of its best-known regional aircraft. Eastern later added Saab 2000 and Embraer regional jets. This mix allowed it to serve short regional routes, business-focused schedules, energy-sector contracts, and flights operated for partner airlines.
Why Bristow Bought Eastern Airways
Bristow bought its initial 60% interest because the two companies served many of the same offshore energy customers. Eastern provided fixed-wing flights into regional airports, while Bristow used helicopters to move workers between shore bases and offshore installations. Bristow described the investment as a way to combine those services and offer customers a more connected journey.
Strategic Expansion Goals
The investment expanded Bristow beyond helicopters and gave it a larger role in fixed-wing regional transport. It also created a single commercial relationship for some offshore customers who needed both airline and helicopter services. The supported network included Aberdeen, Scatsta, Sumburgh, and other locations tied to North Sea operations.
The deal should not be described as a simple plan to eliminate scheduled flying. Eastern continued to operate scheduled routes during the Bristow period. Its business model combined scheduled services with charter and contract work, and the balance changed as contracts, demand, and route economics changed.
Oil and Gas Synergy
The strongest documented reason for the deal was the companies’ shared exposure to the offshore oil and gas market. Eastern could carry workers to airports near energy operations, and Bristow could continue the journey by helicopter. This reduced the need for customers to coordinate separate providers and gave Bristow a broader aviation service.
Franchise and Charter Shift
Eastern’s work was not limited to public timetables. It also flew private charters, energy-sector contracts, public service obligation routes, and later franchise or wet-lease services for other airlines. Those activities gave it more than one revenue source, although they also made the business dependent on a limited number of major contracts.
| Activity | Eastern Airways’ Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled flying | Sold seats under its own brand | UK regional routes |
| Charter and contract flying | Operated flights for private or corporate customers | Energy-sector transport |
| Franchise and ACMI | Operated aircraft and crews for another airline | Flybe and KLM Cityhopper |
Eastern Airways’ Early Route Network
Eastern began operating in December 1997 between Humberside and Aberdeen with a leased Swearingen Metro. It expanded through acquisitions, including Manchester-based Air Kilroe, and later took on routes and aircraft released by British Airways CitiExpress. The BAe Jetstream 41 became central to its regional network and remained closely associated with the airline for many years.
The early network focused on practical domestic links rather than a large leisure network. Frequent regional schedules appealed to business passengers, while Aberdeen gave the airline a strong connection to offshore energy travel.
Eastern Airways’ Expansion in the 2010s
During the 2010s, Eastern added regional jets, acquired Air Southwest, and strengthened its relationship with Humberside Airport. Eastern Airways International Limited acquired Humberside Airport from Manchester Airports Group in 2012. Bristow later retained its controlling airport interest when it sold Eastern Airways in 2019.
The Bristow investment followed in 2014. Eastern then introduced ATR 72-600 aircraft for the Aberdeen to Scatsta oil-contract service. Bristow reported that the first ATR 72-600 entered service on 13 November 2017, with a second aircraft expected to follow in 2018.
Eastern Airways Under Bristow Group
Under Bristow, Eastern remained a separate fixed-wing airline but worked closely with Bristow’s helicopter and offshore-support operations. The relationship supported combined transport for energy customers and gave Bristow access to Eastern’s aircraft, crews, regional network, and operating knowledge.
- Eastern continued scheduled regional passenger services.
- It operated charter and contract flights for offshore and corporate customers.
- It added ATR 72-600 capacity for the Aberdeen to Scatsta contract.
By the end of Bristow’s ownership period, Bristow reported a 100% interest in Eastern Airways. On 10 May 2019, it sold all the shares to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited. Bristow contributed about £17.1 million in working capital as part of the transaction and retained its controlling interest in Humberside Airport.
Eastern Airways and the Flybe Franchise
Eastern joined the Flybe franchise network in 2017 and operated services under Flybe flight numbers and branding. The partnership gave Eastern access to Flybe’s sales network and customer reach, while Flybe gained regional aircraft and crews for routes that included Scottish services.
Flybe Franchise Start
The franchise began on 29 October 2017. Eastern operated as the flying carrier while customers booked through Flybe and travelled under Flybe flight numbers. The arrangement was intended to strengthen regional links after Flybe’s earlier franchise relationship with Loganair ended.
- Eastern gained wider distribution through Flybe’s booking system.
- Flybe gained regional operating capacity without flying every service itself.
- Passengers saw Flybe branding even though Eastern operated the aircraft.
Highland Route Changes
The Scottish route pattern changed as demand and route economics shifted. The franchise did not create a permanent solution for every thin regional route. When the original Flybe entered administration on 5 March 2020, Eastern returned to selling and operating services under its own brand.
Franchise End Impact
The end of the Flybe arrangement forced Eastern to rebuild its independent schedule and sales presence.
- Eastern removed Flybe branding and restored its own flight numbers.
- It adjusted routes from airports including Southampton, Manchester, and Newcastle.
- It continued to rely on a mix of scheduled, charter, PSO, and partner-airline work.
The episode showed both the value and risk of franchise flying. A larger partner can improve distribution, but the operating airline remains exposed if the partnership ends or the partner fails.
Eastern Airways After Flybe’s Collapse
After Flybe collapsed in March 2020, Eastern continued under its own name. It launched or restored regional services from airports such as Southampton and later tested international routes, including Gibraltar. Some routes were withdrawn when demand did not support continued operation.
This period showed Eastern’s flexible approach, but it also exposed the limits of a small regional network. Thin routes can be valuable to communities while remaining difficult to operate profitably without contracts, subsidies, or strong business demand.
Eastern Airways’ PSO Contract Work
A public service obligation, or PSO, is a government-supported contract used to protect an air link considered important for regional access. Eastern operated several PSO routes, including Cardiff to Anglesey, Newquay to London Gatwick, and Aberdeen to Wick.
PSO Route Awards
Eastern operated the Cardiff to Anglesey route from 2015 before the service was suspended and later discontinued. In December 2021, it began the government-supported Newquay to London Gatwick service. It also took over the Aberdeen to Wick PSO in April 2022.
- Cardiff to Anglesey supported travel within Wales.
- Newquay to London protected a direct Cornwall to London air link.
- Aberdeen to Wick maintained scheduled air access for the far north of mainland Scotland.
Regional Connectivity Roles
These routes served places where a purely commercial schedule could be difficult to sustain. The contracts supported access for residents, businesses, public services, and visitors. They also gave Eastern predictable contracted revenue, although that revenue alone was not enough to protect the wider airline from major financial shocks.
Contracted Service Operations
PSO flying required Eastern to meet a defined schedule and service standard under an agreement with a public authority. The airline used aircraft suited to short regional sectors, including Jetstream and ATR types.
- The public authority defined the essential route and service requirement.
- The operator bid to provide the service under the contract.
- Public funding could cover the gap between route revenue and the cost of meeting the obligation.
Eastern Airways’ KLM ACMI Work
Eastern later operated Embraer 190 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper under an ACMI or wet-lease arrangement. In this model, Eastern supplied the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, while KLM sold and scheduled the flights under its own commercial operation.
Administrators said Eastern was operating four aircraft for KLM Cityhopper shortly before the airline stopped flying. The sudden termination of that contract removed a major source of work while leaving Eastern with aircraft, staffing, and other fixed costs.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Type of arrangement | ACMI or wet lease |
| Aircraft | Embraer 190 |
| Scale near collapse | Four aircraft operated for KLM Cityhopper |
| End of arrangement | Terminated shortly before operations stopped in October 2025 |
The loss of a major wet-lease contract did not just reduce revenue. It left Eastern with a cost base built to support flying that had suddenly disappeared.
Why Eastern Airways Went Into Administration
The clearest documented trigger was the unexpected termination of the KLM Cityhopper contract. The proposed administrators said the contract loss left Eastern with high fixed overheads and a staff base that had become unsustainable. They also referred to other economic factors, so the collapse should not be reduced to competition or weak passenger demand alone.
- On 27 October 2025, Eastern filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators and ceased operations.
- Most of its approximately 330 employees were made redundant, while a smaller group was retained to assist customers and maintain aircraft.
- On 6 November 2025, Eastern Airways’ operating companies entered administration.
Warning: Eastern Airways no longer operates flights or accepts bookings. Anyone with an unused ticket should follow current UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance and contact the relevant card provider, insurer, travel agent, or package organiser.
Eastern Airways’ Current Status
As of 25 July 2026, Companies House still lists Eastern Airways (UK) Limited as being in administration. Its filing history includes an administrator’s progress report filed on 19 June 2026. The UK Civil Aviation Authority states that Eastern ceased operations on 27 October 2025 and is not covered by the CAA’s ATOL scheme.
The ownership chain and the operating status are different questions. Orient Industrial Holdings Limited and Eastern Airways International Limited remain active registered companies, but the airline operating business is in administration and is not carrying passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Eastern Airways now?
Bristow no longer owns Eastern Airways. It sold all its shares in 2019 to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited, which is controlled by Richard Lake. However, Eastern Airways’ operating company is in administration and the airline is not flying.
Are Eastern Airways reliable?
Eastern Airways cannot be assessed as a current travel option because it ceased operations in October 2025. Do not attempt to book a flight through an old page or third-party listing that still displays the airline.
Which airline should you stay away from?
Avoid blanket claims based on a few reviews. Check whether the airline is operating, licensed, and financially active, then compare recent cancellation handling, refund policies, safety oversight, and independent passenger data. Eastern Airways should be avoided as a booking option because it no longer flies.
Did Donald Trump own Eastern Air Lines?
No. Donald Trump bought the shuttle operation of the unrelated US carrier Eastern Air Lines and renamed it Trump Shuttle. That company was separate from the British regional carrier Eastern Airways discussed here.
Does Eastern Airways offer food onboard?
No current onboard service exists because Eastern Airways has stopped flying. Historically, its onboard offering varied by route and operating contract.
Can you still book an Eastern Airways flight?
No. The airline is no longer able to fly or accept bookings. Passengers with unused tickets should use the refund and payment-protection guidance provided by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Conclusion
Bristow’s role in Eastern Airways was important but temporary. It bought 60% in 2014, later held the full airline, and sold it in 2019 to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited, controlled by Richard Lake. Eastern then continued with scheduled, charter, PSO, franchise, and ACMI work until the loss of its KLM contract helped trigger a financial crisis. The airline stopped flying in October 2025 and remains in administration.
Sources
- Bristow Group 2014 financial release – confirms the 60% acquisition, date, price, and transaction terms.
- Bristow Group SEC filing on the 2019 sale – confirms the sale to Orient Industrial Holdings Limited and Bristow’s retained Humberside Airport interest.
- Companies House: Eastern Airways International control – identifies Orient Industrial Holdings Limited as the active controlling party.
- Companies House: Orient Industrial Holdings control – identifies Richard Lake as the person with significant control.
- Companies House: Eastern Airways insolvency record – confirms that administration began on 6 November 2025.
- UK Civil Aviation Authority airline-failure guidance – confirms the cessation of operations and passenger guidance.