Newcastle International Airport welcomes new airline and “vibrant” destination

Newcastle International Airport yesterday welcomed a brand new airline to the North East.

SunExpress has commenced operations to Antalya, with bookings already “so strong” that the airline has expanded its services, adding winter flights to its programme.

The airline, which was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines and named World’s Best Leisure Airline by the prestigious World Airline Awards 2022, will operate up to three flights a week between Newcastle and the popular Turkish holiday region this summer.

Flights will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, increasing to three throughout summer with an additional Thursday departure added from May 2023. Due to high demand, SunExpress has also announced it will further expand its services to operate beyond summer and during the winter 2023-24 period with flights now on sale.

This announcement provides more choice to the ‘Turkish Riviera’ as a winter getaway destination, boasting year round sun and golden beaches, as well as an option for travellers seeking a November half term holiday.

Passengers travelling on the first flight were welcomed at check-in with an inaugural celebration to mark the official launch of the new route.

Passengers Ann and Ron, who were travelling to Antalya for their first time, and celebrating Ann’s 70th Birthday whilst abroad said: “It was exciting to getting on board the first SunExpress flight from Newcastle and we are excited to spend a week in the sun in Antalya”.

Chris Ion, aviation development Manager at Newcastle International Airport, commented: “We are delighted to welcome SunExpress to Newcastle International Airport. Antalya is one of the most popular and vibrant holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, offering year round sunshine, golden beaches, excellent golf courses and hotels.

“The addition of SunExpress will offer more choice to passengers looking to take a well-earned holiday to Turkey this summer and we look forward to working with the airline to develop their services from Newcastle.”

Peter Glade, SunExpress commercial director, added: “With the best leisure airline in the world, who wouldn’t want to get on that flight to Antalya? Our vibrant and diverse home city offers everything that makes for a successful holiday: great hospitality, crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine, and unbeatable value for money.

“With our new route from Newcastle to Antalya and expanded services to operate beyond summer, we continue to increase our footprint further in the UK.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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