The regional low-fare airline celebrated its inaugural flights to Newquay and Plymouth from the North East earlier today – the flights will operate seven days a week and will run year-round.
Newcastle Airport’s Head of Airline Relations & Development, Chris Sanders greeted Plymouth’s most famous historical figure Sir Francis Drake lookalike at the aircraft (pictured) who had flown up from Plymouth to mark the occasion, alongside Air Southwest Deputy Chief Executive, Mike Coombes.
Deputy Chief Executive of Air Southwest, Mike Coombes said: “We are delighted to be starting daily flights to and from the South West at Newcastle. I am confident that the new services will benefit the local economy by increasing the number of business and leisure visitors to the city and wider North East region. It will also open up the potential for holidays and short breaks in the South West not previously available.”
Head of Airline Relations & Development at Newcastle Airport, Chris Sanders added: “Today’s launch of new flights with Air Southwest is a real endorsement of our services at Newcastle Airport. The South West offers so much for people living in the North East and forging connections between the two regions will become much easier with these air links.”
The news has been welcomed by the North East business community.
James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce added: “The increase in low cost air travel has helped foster the growth of tourism in Newcastle and the North East, and the addition of these routes is a further boost. For many people, travelling to the South West by road or rail is too time consuming and not cost effective when conducting business. The short flight time and regular services is great news and is a welcome boost for air services to the region.”
John Mossman from Hadston was on the first flight from Newcastle to Newquay with his wife Irene. He said: “I lived in Cornwall for 30 years but moved back to Newcastle to retire; now my wife and I try to get down when we can to see our family who still live down there.
He continued: “We used to travel by car but we are really pleased to be able to fly with Air Southwest. My great grandson was born in December and so we’re looking forward to seeing him. The new flights will certainly make it a lot easier to see more of our family in Cornwall.”
Devon and Cornwall are increasingly becoming year-round destinations. The South West was the most popular English region for an overnight trip in 2006, reflecting the popularity of seaside destinations. In 2006, the South West attracted over 20 million overnight stays worth £3.7bn to the local economy.
All Air Southwest flights can be booked online at www.airsouthwest.com
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April 28, 2008
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