Flybe announces new route to Newquay from Leeds Bradford Airport

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, is set to launch a new year round service between Leeds Bradford and Newquay Airports that will operate three times a week from 28th October, 2016.

This is the fourth and final Flybe route to be announced under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

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, opening Cornwall and the South West up to Yorkshire business.

Robert Goodwill, aviation minister, 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,m commented: “We are delighted to be able to connect these two parts of the country by announcing details of our fourth and last route under the Government’s RACF funding.

“It allows us to further strengthen 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.”

Tony Hallwood, aviation development director at Leeds Bradford Airport, added: “Leeds Bradford Airport welcomes the introduction of Flybe services to Newquay linking the Leeds City region with Cornwall.

“With a flying time of just over an hour, quick and easy access by air will provide a fast and relaxing way avoiding lengthy car and rail journeys to the South West. This route will significantly reduce journey times for both business and leisure travellers and we welcome the support provided by the government through the recently approved Regional Air Connectivity Fund.”

The Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund was launched last year as a way of urging new routes to and from UK regional airports and improving connectivity for business and leisure travellers.

The startup 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 fifth daily frequency on the Leeds Bradford to Belfast City route on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in Winter 2016/17 which will increase the number of Belfast City flights from Leeds Bradford to 28 weekly.

In total Flybe will operate two routes for winter from Leeds Bradford, being Newquay and Belfast City with a choice of up to 31 flights a week.