Leading regional airline celebrates another new route under UK Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. A plant exchange took place today (28th October 2016) to celebrate the start of Flybe’s new route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Operating for the first time as part of its 2016-17 winter schedule, the three times weekly service operated by Europe’s largest regional airline, has been made possible under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. Flights can be booked at www.flybe.com with one way fares from £19.99, including taxes and charges.
Nigel Eaton of RHS Garden Harlow Carr travelled to Newquay on the inaugural flight to present a white rose to the world-famous Eden Project, with the Eden Project’s Managing Director, Gordon Seabright, reciprocating with a 'China Clay' Camellia.
Each tourist attraction will display the plants at their respective attractions. The rose that was presented represented the traditional Yorkshire Rose plant that is currently out of season, and the white Camellia the new connection between Cornwall and the Leeds City Region.
Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad said: “It is fantastic to see Flybe launch this new direct air service between Leeds Bradford and Newquay.
“Passengers and businesses will benefit from faster journeys, while trade and tourism opportunities will be opened up in Yorkshire and Cornwall.
“By supporting new regional air routes, the Government is driving investment and boosting growth across the whole of the UK.”
Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer, Vincent Hodder commented: “With a scheduled flight time of just one hour and 20 minutes, Flybe is delighted to give its regional customers a convenient, alternate option to an otherwise six hour drive or eight hour train journey to and from Leeds Bradford. This is another perfect example of the importance of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund’s role in encouraging and supporting the UK regions and perfectly dovetails with Flybe’s commitment to connecting the UK regions ‘Faster than Road or Rail’.”
Al Titterington, Managing Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “Today’s plant exchange has been such a great way to mark the start of this new route between two of the UK’s major tourism regions. The new connection between Cornwall and the Leeds City region will not only help to support tourism in both areas but also offer a fantastic connection for business travellers, university students and those travelling to see family and friends – cutting down journey times considerably.
“Providing year round connectivity in our network is a key part of our strategy so we’re pleased that the RACF has enabled Flybe to introduce this new service. This joins Flybe’s services to London Gatwick and Manchester this winter, helping to further support the tourism sector in Cornwall out of season and also increase the opportunities for corporate connections between Cornwall and the North of England.”
Scheduled flights are as follows:
Tuesdays and Fridays
Dep NQY 1555 Arr LBA 1720 Dep LBA 1345 Arr NQY 1510
Sundays
Dep NQY 1220 Arr LBA 1345 Dep LBA 1010 Arr NQY 1135
Nigel Eaton, of RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, said: “Cornwall and Yorkshire are two of the country’s tourism gems, with beautiful countryside, stunning coastlines and intriguing histories and people. Connecting the two with this quick, regular service between Leeds Bradford Airport and Newquay is great news for both counties, and for these two very popular but very different gardens.
“It’s an honour to have been involved with this inaugural flight and plant swap and we look forward to welcoming lots of Cornish visitors to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate throughout the coming seasons.”
Eden Project's Managing Director, Gordon Seabright, added: "The plant exchange is a fitting symbol of the relationship between Cornwall and Yorkshire - both famous for beautiful coasts, moors and gardens. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from the North thanks to this new and important link."
Attending the plant exchange today Adam Paynter, Cabinet Member for Resources and Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council, welcomed this further good news for the Airport and for Cornwall.
Judith Donovan CBE, Non-Executive Chair of the Eden Project, Chair of the tourism partnership Destination Dales and a former Chair of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, was invited on to the inaugural flight due to her connection with the two regions. "Cornwall and Yorkshire are two of the most distinct and celebrated places in the UK,” she commented. “This new flight will help forge stronger bonds between them and provide a great service for leisure visitors and the business communities."
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.