FLYBE INTRODUCES LGW SERVICE
UPTO THREE DAILY SERVICES LINKING LBA WITH LGW COMMENCE 29TH JUNE 2009
20th April 2009
Economy Boost For Region As LBIA Announces New Service To London
LBIA played host today (Monday 20th April 2009) to the Yorkshire and Humber Minister, Rt. Hon Rosie Winterton MP, at the launch of a vital new service connecting the region to the capital.
The Minister and business leaders celebrated the introduction of Flybe's daily service to London Gatwick - providing the only scheduled flights from Yorkshire and the Humber to London.
Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward said: "We welcome the plans for flights to Gatwick from Leeds/ Bradford Airport and see this as an important step in building further links not just with the capital but also with the international business community. We believe this to be an opportunity for Yorkshire and Humber to attract further international inward investment and create additional links for our region's business network."
Flybe will begin operating the three times a day London Gatwick service from 29th June 2009 with fares starting at just £24.99 one way, including taxes and charges, to be operated on an environmentally efficient Bombardier Q400. Flights can be booked from today at www.flybe.com.
Flybe says this additional route will create up to 130 jobs for the region. Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe commented: "The new service demonstrates Flybe's commitment to the region, continuing to help the local economy through the development of affordable and convenient business and leisure travel options."
Rt. Hon Rosie Winterton MP said: "Regular and dependable flights between Leeds Bradford and London are very important for our region's economy. I warmly welcome the launch of Flybe's new service to this region, which I know will be extremely well received, particularly by the business community."
Leisure passengers will also benefit from increased links with Gatwick, offering a local gateway to many long haul destinations, including America, the Caribbean and Dubai.
Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford International Airport's Commercial Director, added: "The introduction of this service reinforces our commitment to offer key business and leisure routes to our customers within the UK and beyond. It's now even easier to fly from Leeds Bradford to London and the rest of the world.
Inbound traffic is equally important to us and we look forward to working with our local tourism partners to increase the number of visitors to Yorkshire from London and the South East."