20 Dec 2016 07:00
Flybe Group PLC ("Flybe")
Flybe strengthens UK regional connectivity by launching two new routes between Scotland and Heathrow
Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, is heading to London Heathrow for the first time next year to connect the UK's largest international airport with Scotland, offering a choice of more than 40 scheduled flights a week from Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The new routes complement Flybe's well-established London City flights from the two Scottish airports.
Flybe will operate the slots which became available as a result of commitments required by the European Commission following the acquisition of BMI by International Consolidated Airlines Group. Flybe is not required to pay to use the slots, other than to meet Heathrow landing and passenger charges. The slots will not be purchased by Flybe and will therefore not be brought onto the balance sheet.
Flybe will be using Heathrow's Terminal 2 and will offer 'One Stop to the World' connectivity to its codeshare and interline partners. Flights have been conveniently timed for both business and leisure travel, and fares are from £39.99 one way including taxes and charges.
This route expansion means that, with effect from 26th March 2017, Flybe will offer up to 18 flights a day between London and Edinburgh, and 10 between London and Aberdeen.
Executive Chairman, Simon Laffin, said: "We are delighted to announce our first flights to London Heathrow, significantly enhancing our UK domestic route network and offering even better links between Scotland and London. The new routes to Heathrow complement the existing ones we operate to London City, and will benefit our business customers and customers in Scotland who want to connect with our long haul codeshare partners.
"Flybe is the leading airline serving UK domestic passengers and these new services position us well to serve our passengers in both Scotland and the South East. We have long been lobbying for Heathrow to offer more opportunities for domestic flights to enhance regional connectivity. Whilst other operators may have dismissed the possibility of further domestic routes into Heathrow, we look forward to working with the airport to further expand the range of domestic destinations."
Heathrow's Chief Executive, John Holland-Kaye, added: "Improving the connections into Heathrow from all around the UK will be vital in helping to secure the economic future of communities in every corner of the nation. Today's announcement shows that the measures we're introducing, such as the £10 reduction on domestic passenger charges, are already working to secure vital links. More airlines flying routes to Scottish airports means more flights, more competition and choice for families, and more visitors to Scotland. With Flybe based at Terminal 2, it also means new, unique direct access from Heathrow to markets such Colombia, Taipei and Auckland - meaning more opportunity for Scottish businesses looking to reach new export markets."
ENDS
Enquiries
Flybe +44 (0)20 7379 5151
Simon Laffin, Executive Chairman
Maitland +44 (0)20 7379 5151
Neil Bennett
Andy Donald
Notes to Editors:
The schedule for the new London Heathrow (LHR) routes starting 26th March 2017 is as follows:
ABERDEEN (ABZ)
Mon-Fri (3 flights a day)
· Dep ABZ 0645 - Arr LHR 0900
· Dep ABZ 1500 - Arr LHR 1715
· Dep ABZ 1720 - Arr LHR 1935
· Dep LHR 0945 - Arr ABZ 1145
· Dep LHR 1805 - Arr ABZ 2005
· Dep LHR 2020 - Arr ABZ 2220
Sat (1 flight a day)
· Dep ABZ 0645 - Arr LHR 0900
· Dep LHR 0945 - Arr ABZ 1145
Sun (2 flights a day)
· Dep ABZ 0645 - Arr LHR 0900
· Dep ABZ 1720 - Arr LHR 1935
· Dep LHR 0945 - Arr ABZ 1145
· Dep LHR 2020 - Arr ABZ 2220
EDINBURGH (EDI)
Mon-Fri (4 flights a day)
· Dep EDI 0600 - Arr LHR 0800
· Dep EDI 0835 - Arr LHR 1035
· Dep EDI 1530 - Arr LHR 1730
· Dep EDI 1800 - Arr LHR 2000
· Dep LHR 0845 - Arr EDI 1025
· Dep LHR 1120 - Arr EDI 1300
· Dep LHR 1820 - Arr EDI 2000
· Dep LHR 2045 - Arr EDI 2225
Sat (2 flights a day)
· Dep EDI 0600 - Arr LHR 0800
· Dep EDI 1530 - Arr LHR 1730
· Dep LHR 0845 - Arr EDI 1025
· Dep LHR 1820 - Arr EDI 2000
Sun (3 flights a day)
· Dep EDI 0835 - Arr LHR 1035
· Dep EDI 1530 - Arr LHR 1730
· Dep EDI 1800 - Arr LHR 2000
· Dep LHR 1120 - Arr EDI 1300
· Dep LHR 1820 - Arr EDI 2000
· Dep LHR 2045 - Arr EDI 2225