Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, is delighted to announce that it has signed a five-year agreement with London City Airport which will see the introduction of a new direct service from George Best Belfast City Airport into the heart of London.
From Monday 27th October 2014, Flybe will offer three times daily services between the two city centre airports. This brings the total number of direct destinations offered by Flybe from Northern Ireland to 14 making it the largest airline operating at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Flybe expects that the new route will appeal to both business and leisure passengers in Northern Ireland and those based in the City of London and Canary Wharf whose travel plans are time-critical and who will appreciate the reduced transfer times compared to flying from/to Heathrow, Gatwick or Luton. London City airport is conveniently located in the heart of the financial capital with connections offered every ten minutes by Docklands Light Railway, meaning that passengers can be in Canary Wharf in 12 minutes – and, via the London Underground, in Westminster in just 24!
Flybe is also aiming to Europe’s most punctual airline. It recently launched a new world-first 60:60 guarantee that promises its customers if a flight arrives more than 60 minutes’ late at its destination due to a delay within Flybe’s control, they will qualify for a £60 voucher towards their next flight as long as they book within 60 days.
Saad Hammad, Flybe’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We’re delighted to announce this new service between Belfast and London City Airport. Today’s news is a significant landmark in the re-birth of Flybe. The decision to re-enter the London market at its most convenient airport follows a rigorous profitability analysis utilising our strict ‘Route Assessment Model”.
“Flybe is today already connecting over 7 million passengers a year throughout the UK and Europe. With this new major London connection from Belfast City, we are not only cementing our position as Europe’s largest regional airline but also upholding our customer promise to be ‘The Fastest Way from A to Flybe.”
Welcoming the announcement, Arlene Foster MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment said: “This is excellent news for the Northern Ireland business community who have been seeking this service to London City for some time. It will provide access to the heart of London as well as offering passengers a greater choice in terms of price and flight times. I welcome Flybe’s continued commitment to Northern Ireland.”
Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of George Best Belfast City Airport added:
“For over 30 years Flybe has worked alongside Belfast City to offer passengers a UK wide route network. I have no doubt that London City will prove a popular service especially with business passengers. Flybe’s distinctive brand refresh and new service to London City signals a new era for our business partner and we wish the airline every success.”
As well as flights to Belfast City, Flybe also announced services from London City to Dublin, Edinburgh, Exeter and Inverness.
One way fares including taxes and charges start from £39.99 and are now on sale at www.flybe.com