Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-7-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has stepped in to secure vital continuity of service for customers using the key Aberdeen to London City route, with twice daily flights starting on Monday, October 27th 2014. Seats are on sale now at www.flybe.com from £49.99 one way including taxes and charges.
The news has been applauded by Prime Minister, David Cameron, who said: “I welcome today’s announcement that Flybe will introduce daily flights from Aberdeen to London City later this year – a vital route that helps support the north – south economy.
“Keeping our cities connected is part of our long-term economic plan to encourage investment and promote growth so we can generate jobs, pay our way in the world, and create stability, security and a brighter future for our country.”
The news today (July 23rd 2014)follows British Airway’s recent announcement that it would be withdrawing from the route at the end of the summer season, and after serious concern around the future of the service that is considered crucial given passenger demand that reflects the strength of the economy in the north of Scotland.
Saad Hammad, Flybe’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to step in to continue offering a twice daily service between these two economic powerhouses. Flybe is the recognised European leader in providing frequent, convenient and affordable regional connections.
“Our announcement is a clear indication of our appetite to maintain momentum with our plans for growth and we look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board in October.
“The decision to add this flight to our already extensive point to point regional network reaffirms our commitment to listening to the needs of customers and to being ‘the fastest way from A to Flybe.”
Aberdeen Airport MD, Carol Benzie added: “We are delighted to see this route being back-filled so seamlessly by Flybe. The fact that they plan to launch their service to London City on the day after the previous carrier stops, means that our customers will notice no drop in service and, for that, we are very grateful.
“Conversations started in earnest behind the scenes when we heard that the London City route could be lost. At that time, the team immediately began to have dialogue and whilst we were unable to discuss these in the public domain, I am pleased that they came to fruition with this announcement.”
The news follows hot on the heels of Flybe’s recent announcements of a brand new route between Aberdeen and East Midlands Airports, and the operation of a daily FlyShuttle service between Jersey and Aberdeen airports, with stop offs at Leeds Bradford and Southampton, all of which also start at the end of October.
Flybe now offers a total of eight routes from Aberdeen as part of its 2014-15 winter schedule with a choice of up to 276 flights a week.