Cambridge International Airport

Darwin Airline offering British economic star - Cambridge - in partnership with Alitalia and others

Newly rebranded by soft logo launch, Cambridge International Airport is on track for the base opening by award-winning European regional carrier, Darwin Airline, which on 20th May announced its biggest ever UK project with new scheduled services linking Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Geneva with Cambridge, the UK’s fastest growing economic city.

The new services will be operated by highly regarded European regional airline Darwin Airline, in code-share partnership with SkyTeam member Alitalia.  Flights to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Geneva will enable travellers from Cambridge and the East England region to reach hundreds of destinations worldwide with connections to the global networks of SkyTeam partners Alitalia and Air France-KLM.

Commencing from 2 September 2013, Darwin Airline will be offering a total of 50 flights a week to and from Cambridge.  This will include a planned timetable of 24 weekly flights to and from Amsterdam; 12 weekly flights to and from Paris CDG (East Anglia’s only air service to the French capital); eight weekly flights to and from Milan Malpensa, and six weekly services to and from Darwin Airline’s main hub at Geneva.  All routes will be operated by the airline’s advanced, fast and quiet 50-seat SAAB 2000 regional aircraft.

Commenting for Marshall, owners of the Airport, Steve Jones, managing director of Aviation Services, said, “The opening of this new and exciting base by Darwin Airline is a strategic step in our development of Cambridge as a regional international airport. This puts our city firmly on the international transport map, making it easier for people from around the world to get here.  As an established regional carrier in Europe, we feel that Darwin Airline is the perfect partner for Cambridge Airport going forward, offering long term expertise, award-winning service and global connectivity.”

Maurizio Merlo, CEO at Darwin Airline, added, “As we expand within Europe, the UK is a key market for us to further establish and we are delighted to open our new base in the heart of East England. Cambridge is at the forefront of several business sectors and spearheading the UK’s economic growth – it is thriving and vibrant, one of the UK’s most valuable and affluent markets.  The team here at Cambridge Airport and many of the city’s stakeholders have inspired us to invest and connect the region to Europe and beyond.”

Responding to the announcement by Darwin Airline, Alex Plant, Executive Director: Economy, Transport and Environment at Cambridgeshire County Council commented, “Cambridgeshire already competes on the world stage and is home to a wealth of innovative companies, cutting-edge research and the best university in the world. The new services from Cambridge International Airport will help to build our already strong international brand. Direct connections to key business centres and international hub airports like Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles De Gaulle will help our businesses to continue to grow and will complement the investments we are already making to support growth in the local and national economy. It is also welcome news that aircraft will not be flying at night and that the airport has plans in place to ensure there is minimal impact on local residents”

Alex Mawer, VisitEngland Marketing Director said, “I’m delighted to see Cambridge International Airport extending their reach across the world with some exciting new routes into Europe and beyond.  Accessibility is of paramount importance not only for leisure visitors but for our business visitors.  This increase in routes available into Cambridge will certainly give tourism in the East of England a  boost that will help to stimulate growth across the sector.”

Darwin Airline customers will enjoy exceptional personal service and 23kgs of complimentary hold baggage. Flights booked via the Alitalia code (AZ) will also be part of the Flying Blue reward scheme that runs across Sky Team members including Alitalia, Air France and KLM. Additionally, customers will travel through Cambridge Airport’s newly refurbished terminal, featuring new facilities, including a business lounge, Costa Coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi and lounge-style ambience.  

Ideally located only three miles from the city centre, Cambridge Airport offers on-airport car parking, bus and ground transport from the city centre and local towns, close to all major road networks meaning major regional centres including Peterborough and Ipswich are reached within an hour.  At Amsterdam, Darwin Airline will operate at pier D and from Terminal 2D at Paris CDG and from Terminal 1B at Milan's Malpensa.