London, 2016-Oct-18 — /Travel PR News/ — Following an overwhelming response from the business community, Flybe has taken the commercial decision to extend the service between Cardiff and London City Airport while demand exists. Tickets for these flights are available for booking now at www.flybe.com with one way fares from £34.99 including taxes and charges.
This convenient service, which was initially introduced as an alternative way to get to London during the Severn Tunnel closure, has seen a very promising level of customer uptake during its first few weeks of operation. Of the passengers surveyed before departure, 95% confirmed that they would continue to use the service after the Severn Tunnel re-opened, and a further 33% had already become regular travellers on the route.
Debra Barber, MD and COO of Cardiff Airport, said: “It has been overwhelming to see just how much this service has been utilised by the Welsh business community in particular since it began just a few weeks ago. Providing a reliable and convenient link between both capitals during the Severn Tunnel closure has been essential in promoting a thriving Welsh economy and it has also been great to see passengers from London using the service to do business in Wales.
“As an airport we were committed to working closely with Flybe from the outset to ensure this service would remain a competitive option. We look forward to welcoming more customers as they continue to support the service, which will operate for as long there is sufficient demand for both business and leisure travel.”
Roger Lewis, Chairman of Cardiff Airport said: “This is a great win by Team Wales. The Board wishes to thank Flybe, London City Airport and the Cardiff Airport Executive for securing the immediate future of this vital link between Cardiff and London so decisively. Most importantly we thank our passengers for their support. We must now all encourage the use of this route to ensure its long term security.”
Flybe’s CEO, Saad Hammad said: “Serving regional communities and providing regional connectivity is what Flybe is all about. This is a great example of how a regional airport working with Flybe can move quickly to address local needs in a meaningful way. Flybe has made a significant investment in Wales over the past 18 months and it is pleasing to see the Welsh public responding with such positive demand.”
Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer, Vincent Hodder added: “This route has quite simply taken off, quickly becoming an early success. We have been heartened by the response it has received. Flybe recognises that time is precious for customers and this route is clear vindication that we are faster than road or rail, and not only faster, but usually also cheaper. We are delighted to continue operating this route to meet demand and look forward to it continuing to go from strength to strength.”
The service between Cardiff and London City airports will continue from Tuesday 1st November 2016, with flights operating up to twice daily to meet the demands of Welsh customers who are already benefitting from this convenient alternative to road and rail.
Weekday flight schedule, operating twice daily Monday – Friday:
Dep CWL 0800 Arr LCY 0915
Dep LCY 0945 Arr CWL 1045
Dep CWL 1610 Arr LCY 1725
Dep LCY 1755 Arr CWL 1855
Weekend flight schedule, operating once a day on Saturdays and Sundays:
Sat Dep CWL 0935 Arr LCY 1050
Dep LCY 1120 Arr CWL 1220
Sun Dep CWL 1610 Arr LCY 17:25
Dep LCY 17:55 Arr CWL 1855
With a flight time usually of one hour, and the record journey taking just 35 minutes to date, customers can fast track through security at Wales’ national airport before take-off, landing in the heart of London. Customers can walk straight out of the doors of London City airport and on to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which conveniently and efficiently connects to London’s Underground network into Canary Wharf and onwards.
Welcoming today’s announcement that Flybe is to continue operating its Cardiff to London City route after the reopening of the Severn Tunnel, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said:
“I am delighted this popular service is going to be extended, this is excellent news for Wales. The London City route has got off to a flying start since its launch last month, with positive feedback from business commuters and leisure travellers alike. In addition to offering improved connectivity between Cardiff and London, the service provides greater travel choice for customers and enhances market-place competition. I am optimistic it will result in better value for money services and improved resilience for travellers between our two capital cities.
“The popularity of this route and today’s announcement to extend the service is also a testament to Cardiff Airport’s leadership and commercial clout and is another vote of confidence for the economy of Wales.”
Matthew Hall, Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport, said: “Following Flybe’s six-week Cardiff service it is great news that we are able to add this as a permanent domestic route, boosting Cardiff-London connectivity and nurturing economic ties between these two capital cities. We are now the only London airport with a permanent air link to Cardiff Airport, which is a game-changer for business and leisure travellers, offering customers here and in Wales a speedy and efficient connection thanks to our proximity to central London.”
Flights to London City airport are on sale now from £34.99 each way at Flybe.com
For enquiries regarding specific flights, routes or aircraft please contact the airline directly:
Andrew Scott
PR Manager
Tel: +44 (0)203 203 2497
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Charlotte Beeching
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0)207 646 0132
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Out of hours urgent media enquiries only: 07801 579 273 / 07747 103 884
SOURCE: London City Airport Ltd