Flights on the route are scheduled for one and a half minutes, however, the actual flying time is closer to one minute. The speed of the flight is faster than it takes most aircraft to reach cruising altitude.
The record for the fastest flight is 53 seconds which was flown by pilot Stuart Linklater. The pilot flew the short route more than 12,000 times before his retirement in 2013.
Faster flight times are more likely when there are good winds and light luggage onboard.
Journeys cover approximately 1.7 miles across the water, which is about the same length as the runway at Edinburgh Airport.
The flights are combined with flights to and from Kirkwall Airport flying in a narrow triangle. The aircraft stops at Westray to pick up and drop off passengers before carrying on to its next stop. Â Loganair operates this flight with one of its Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander aircraft.
The route first began in 1967 and has continuously been operated by Loganair. Flights occur daily in both directions except on Saturdays when only flights from Westray to Papa Westray.
Throughout the year, the route offers a crucial journey for the approximately 70 inhabitants of Papa Westray. However, at certain times of the year, flights are popular for tourists and day-trippers who want to experience the unique journey.
As you might imagine, this isn’t your average aircraft. Instead, passengers can expect to board a tiny aeroplane which has been likened to a campervan with just 10 seats.
Passengers who get seated in the first four rows will be able to get a close view of the pilot flying the plane. However, passengers are unable to choose where they sit onboard.
Instead, seat allocation is usually determined by weight to help stabilise the small aircraft.