bmi regional (Aberdeen Dyce) has won a UK government tender to operate Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights between Londonderry City of Derry, Northern Ireland, and London Stansted.

The contract was awarded after its current operator - Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) - announced it would terminate its current service in late March.

bmi regional said in a statement its service will commence on May 2 and will include two return flights each day, except for Saturdays which will have one flight each way.

As it stands, GBP3.8 million (USD4.77 million) in funding will cover the route for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years.