Flybe announce Gatwick, Aberdeen and Rennes flights
31.01.08
Regional budget airline Flybe announced 3 new routes from Newcastle Airport today. The regional budget airline will launch of a new 3 times each weekday service to Gatwick starting on Sunday March 30, with fares from £21.99 one way including taxes. Rival budget airline Jet2 is to scrap its flights on the route a day earlier.
In addition to the Gatwick flights, the airline will also operate direct routes from Newcastle to Aberdeen 6 days a week (also starting on March 30) and a weekly summer service to Rennes in France (starting May 24). More than 1000 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the move over the next 2 years.
Mike Rutter, Flybe's Chief Commercial Officer, said: 'We recognise the importance of this key [Gatwick] route and are pleased to be in a position to step in and save this lifeline service for the people of the North East. Indeed, we purchased these Gatwick slots in the teeth of opposition from other carriers who wanted to use those slots to serve European destinations, not Newcastle.'
'We also realise the importance of maintaining choice on this key business route, so as well as a business-friendly schedule, we will be opening new Business Lounge at Newcastle Airport. And what’s more, our state of the art aircraft will lead to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of this service.'
'We are also excited to launch the flights from Newcastle to Aberdeen and Rennes. Both destinations of which have proved extremely popular with our passengers at other UK airports. The establishment of a base at Newcastle will itself create 125 jobs and when we hit our passenger target of one million in the next 2 years, that will support 1000 jobs. This expansion shows our commitment to the North East and we look forward to introducing even more destinations in the future.'
In press reports Mr Rutter is quoted as saying: 'We will bring to the airport over the next 18 months brand new routes to Scandinavia, routes to Frankfurt, Stuttgart. We will also bring a further range of French regional routes, as well as extending services to places like Brussels.'
The 3 new routes add to those already operated from Newcastle by Flybe - to Jersey, Southampton, Exeter, Limoges, Belfast and Cardiff. Jet2 announced it will cease flying between Newcastle and Gatwick on March 29 and all passengers booked on this service from March 30 can transfer to Flybe at no additional cost.
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