Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, has today (14th April 2016) confirmed details of a new year round service between Cornwall Airport Newquay and Leeds Bradford Airport that will operate three times a week from 28th October, 2016, increasing to a 5 times weekly service during the summer This is the fourth and final Flybe route to be announced under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. Tickets are available for booking now at www.flybe.com with one way fares from £19.99 including taxes and charges.
The new route turns what would otherwise be a six hour drive or eight hour rail journey into a short one hour and twenty minute flight. Business travellers from the South West can now be in the thriving Northern business hub with Leeds Bradford airport being perfectly positioned within 50 miles of Sheffield, Manchester, York and of course Leeds and Bradford themselves. Those studying at surrounding universities will also be able to make trips home to Cornwall more easily and affordably.
Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: “It is great to see Flybe launch this new service between Leeds Bradford and Newquay. This will make a real difference to the local economies and unlock new tourism and business opportunities for Yorkshire and Cornwall, cutting out the long car and train journeys and putting the two regions within easy reach for holiday makers. By backing new regional air routes, the Government is driving investment and growth across the country and supporting these important local aviation hubs and I personally am looking forward to using this service myself.”
Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer comments: “We are delighted to be able to connect Cornwall and Leeds with the announcement of our fourth and last route under the Government’s RACF funding. It further strengthens our reputation as Europe’s largest regional airline and we are proud to be once again connecting those who live in areas not well served by other airlines.”
Al Titterington, Cornwall Airport Newquay’s Managing Director, added: “Providing year round connectivity on our network is a key part of our strategy so we’re pleased that the government-supported RACF has enabled Flybe to connect Cornwall and West Yorkshire starting this winter. Air services from the South West have been disconnected from Leeds Bradford for a number of years so the introduction of the service is a welcome boost to the region.”
The Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund was launched last year as a way of encouraging new routes to and from UK regional airports and improving connectivity for business and leisure travellers. The start-up aid bidding competition was open to airports with fewer than five million passengers per year and allows air routes that are not currently commercially viable today to be introduced early, giving time for airlines to build passenger numbers and deliver a more sustainable service.
Flybe will also operate a multi-frequency service to London Gatwick and Manchester as part of its 2016-17 Winter schedule, the three routes offering a total of up to 34 flights a week.