Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has signed a five-year agreement with London City Airport which will see the introduction of a competitively priced route from Edinburgh Airport to the heart of London. This means Flybe will now operate 10 direct services from Edinburgh. The airline has also announced services from London City to Inverness, Dublin, Belfast City and Exeter.
From October 2014, Flybe will offer four times daily services between the two cities, which includes flights arriving in London before 9am for under £50 .
Flybe expects the new route will appeal particularly to those travelling for business to and from the City of London and Canary Wharf whose travel plans are time-critical and who will appreciate the reduced transfer times compared to flying to or from West Sussex or Bedfordshire. 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.
Saad Hammad, Flybe’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We’re delighted to announce this brand new affordable and competitively priced service between Edinburgh 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’.
“We have taken into consideration how appealing London City is for business travellers looking to be in central London in time for morning meetings, as well as getting home in time to put the kids to bed.”
“Flybe is today already connecting over 7 million passengers a year throughout the UK and Europe. With this new major London connection from Inverness, we are not only cementing our position as Europe’s largest regional airline but also upholding our customer promise to be significantly faster than rail or road – ‘The Fastest Way from A to Flybe’.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Airport, said:
“Air travel remains the best way for Scots to access London and we’re delighted to see Flybe announce this new service to London City Airport.
“We will grow as an airport by providing our passengers with choice. It is fantastic to be continuing to do that with a strong Flybe brand.
“We look forward to working with the new team to provide even more choice for our passengers.”
Colin Keir MSP, Edinburgh Western Constituency, said:
“I’m delighted to see that Flybe will be offering another alternative service to London. This shows confidence in Edinburgh and I wish them great success.”