Eastern Airways has signed up with aviation services company gategroup to set up a ground handling and catering venture.

Under the terms of the deal, the new joint venture called Regional Handling Ltd. will initially operate at Ronaldsway Airport and in Aberdeen.

The two sites are major locations for Eastern Airways operations, and the company says it’s been looking for a suitable strategic partner in the ground handling and catering operation.

Eastern Airways' Managing Director Richard Lake says the move will allow the airline to focus on its core business of passenger transportation.