27 Oct 2014 07:00
Flybe Group PLC
27 October 2014
FLYBE STARTS NEW LONDON CITY AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Flybe's "Spirit of the Regions" launch event marks the commencement of six new routes to and from London City Airport -
Flybe has today begun operation of its new routes from Aberdeen, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Exeter, Dublin and Inverness to London City Airport in a major expansion, providing direct links between UK regions and Ireland and the heart of London's financial district.
Six Flybe aircraft are being named under the "Spirit of the Regions" theme at a launch event which takes place today at London City Airport. Attendees will include the Minister of State for Transport John Hayes MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and MP for Inverness Danny Alexander, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, Northern Ireland's Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy, and Mayor of the London Borough of Newham Sir Robin Wales.
Flybe fares start at just £34.99 one way and the offering includes:
· Aberdeen to/from London City - up to three flights a day
· Belfast to/from London City - up to three flights a day
· Edinburgh to/from London City - up to four flights a day
· Dublin to/from London City - up to four flights a day
· Exeter to/from London City - up to three flights a day
· Inverness to/from London City - up to two flights a day
Flybe is expected to fly over half a million passengers annually on its routes to and from London City Airport. The airline will also start operating its London City to Amsterdam weekend flights on 1 November.
As announced on October 10th, Flybe customers will also be able to collect Avios from today.
Saad Hammad, CEO of Flybe said: "From today, purple Flybe aircraft will be a regular feature in the skies above the City of London as we begin daily services with six aircraft into/from London City Airport. This can only benefit our brand profile and reach over the longer term as knowledge of Flybe's role in connecting the UK regions and Ireland with London becomes more widespread. Our new London City routes provide direct links for customers in the regions to the heart of London's financial district. Flybe also offers City of London and Canary Wharf customers faster and more efficient access to the UK regions and neighbouring European destinations than travelling via Heathrow or Gatwick, or travelling by road or rail."
Speaking on behalf of the UK Government, The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:"Making it easier to travel across the country - whether for business or pleasure - is one of the best ways to strengthen the growing economy and ensure a fairer society throughout the country. People from across the UK and Ireland will have better connections to the heart of London's financial district."
Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, said: "This is an exciting morning for Scottish aviation with new routes linking Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness with the heart of London taking off for the first time. We have long stressed the economic benefits of improving Scotland's connectivity, so these services will be no doubt be welcomed by companies in the central belt, the north east and the Highlands who are looking to do business in London and further afield. The flights will also provide a real boost for our tourism industry, making it easier for visitors to travel north and get a taste of the wonderful experiences on offer in and around all three cities. We congratulate all three of our airports and Flybe on this achievement, and we will continue to support efforts to grow the number of routes to and from Scotland in the future."
Danny Kennedy, Regional Development Minister for Northern Ireland, said: "I welcome the launch of this daily service to the centre of London's business community. As we continue to recover from a challenging financial climate, being able to connect to key markets is vital. Establishing a route like this, not only provides local business people with an opportunity to commute much more conveniently, but also enhances Northern Ireland's ability to attract inward investment."
Paschal Donohoe, Minister of Transport and Tourism for Ireland, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Flybe's first flight from Dublin Airport to London City Airport in the heart of the UK capital today. Connectivity is key in developing our economy and facilitating the strong trade links that exist between Ireland and the UK and this new route will no doubt be welcomed by many Irish and UK businesses. Equally, Britain is Ireland's most important tourist market and recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the number visiting Ireland from Britain continues to grow year on year. Today's announcement will provide further choice and connectivity for passengers which is welcome. I wish Flybe well in launching and developing this new route in the future".
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