Flybe helping Knock Airport to grow

With the introduction of direct flights to Knock Airport from Edinburgh, Knock is looking forward to growing the number of passengers using the West of Ireland airport. The new route which will begin operations on the 19th of April will offer a three times weekly service from the Scottish capital. Flybe passengers will also be able to take advantage of Flybe Connections for Cardiff, Exeter, Manchester and Southampton.

Speaking in the Irish Times Liam Scollan said

LIAM SCOLLAN, chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock was happy to report to me this week that passenger numbers at the Mayo facility are likely to rise by 9 per cent this year to about 640,000.
This is largely down to the launch of three sun routes to the Canary Islands and regional carrier Flybe starting a service to Edinburgh from April 19th. “We are getting growth from new routes but average spend by passengers is still in decline,” Scollan said.
The average passenger spend is about one-third off the peak of the Celtic Tiger years. This has resulted in Knock trimming its cost base by 30 per cent.
“Passenger spending is still going down . . . due to the recession.”
Has Knock turned a corner? “It would be too optimistic to say that,” said Scollan.
Knock’s passenger traffic fell by 3 per cent last year to 589,000.
Scollan said the airport washed its face in 2010, but only as the result of a €700,000 operational grant from the Government.
“We finished the year at breakeven,” he said.
Tourism is a hot topic here now, with plans being drawn up to attract two million more visitors a year to Ireland.
Scollan is keen for Knock to have flights to one of the major European airport hubs – Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle in Paris are his preferences – and believes that support should be available to help the airport achieve this goal.
“We haven’t been able to attract airlines to deliver these services. We need assistance to attract these routes.”
With State-owned Shannon airport just down the road, it will be interesting to see if Scollan can secure the support he needs to land flights to a major hub.

Hamburg is a river city with a lake at its heart. The city feels spacious and liberal and is in fact the most anglophile of Germany’s cities. Walk the cobbled streets of the harbour district and take a harbour cruise to help get your bearings. Hamburg offers exquisite shopping, lively nightlife and the Kiez is a bustling red light area.

For flights to Hamburg, Flybe have 1 direct flight cheap flight to Hamburg from Birmingham Airport. The following routes are also available with indirect flights to Hamburg. Flights can be booked as one through ticket via Flybe Connections. Aberdeen Dyce Airport to Hamburg, Edinburgh to Hamburg, Dundee to Hamburg, Isle of Man to Hamburg, Jersey to Hamburg Airport

Stuttgart – birthplace of the petrol engine and a mecca for car lovers

Stuttgart is a prosperous and relaxed industrial city, set in a valley with parks and vineyards and handy to Germany’s traditional playground, the Black Forest.  Nearby also are the Jura Mountains, the Danube, beautiful Heidelberg and Baden-Baden. The city offers good living and plenty of good music – especially classical and jazz. Car memorabilia is everywhere and car enthusiasts head straight for the Porsche and Daimler-Benz museums.

For flights to Stuttgart, Flybe have cheap direct flights to Stuttgart from Birmingham. The following routes are also available to Stuttgart as indirect flights which can be booked as one ticket through Flybe Connectionsbirmingham to stuyygart . Aberdeen to Stuttgart, Belfast to Stuttgart, Edinburgh to Stuttgart, Glasgow to Stuttgart, Kirkwall to Stuttgart,  and Sumburgh to Stuttgart

CEO Jim French CBE over at Flybe  has been giving his reaction to the announcement in the Budget that UK Air Passenger Duty will be frozen this year. It is noted that that the latest figures on Europe wide passenger numbers still show that the total number of UK passngers is still falling with the CAA figures reporting a 3.4% fall in passengers in 2010 over 2009

Jim French on the Flybe website says

“Flybe very much welcomes the Chancellor’s move to freeze Air Passenger Duty and to consult on the tax banding. APD disproportionately penalises the UK domestic passenger given that, unlike those flying abroad, they have to pay the tax on both legs of their journey, so the freeze is very much a step in the right direction.

“However, given that UK passenger numbers are now back down to 2004 levels, it is evident that APD and the recession have combined to dampen demand for aviation. We welcome the Chancellor’s focus on the importance of the UK’s regional airports in the APD consultation document published today and will argue strongly that domestic aviation should be subject to a lower rate.

“Flybe is also pleased that the Chancellor has widened the scope of the tax to include private jets. We have been calling for this level playing field for some time and would encourage Mr. Osborne to go further and include freight flights also.

On the subject of jobs and skills, Mr. French, who is also Chairman of the CBI in the South West, added:

“I am particularly pleased that Mr. Osborne has supported the creation of more apprenticeships. In the month that the new Flybe Training Academy has opened, it is great to see the government putting jobs and skills at the top of their agenda.”

Flybe passengers should note that from the 31/03/11 Flybe will no longer be operating flights on the route.
For passengers from Yorkshire headed to destinations south and west of London Gatwick, Flybe destinations recommends as an alternative flying from Leeds to Southampton Airport.
For passengers from North Yorkshire headed to destinations to L flights, ondon, Flybe destinations recommends as an alternative flying from Newcastle to Southampton Airport

Birmingham – Britain’s second largest city is full of energy

Birmingham’s industrial past has left it with more canals than Venice and the city centre has hugely benefited from redevelopment in recent years. It’s a haven for shoppers with boutiques in the exclusive Mailbox development and the stylish City Plaza, the Jewellery Quarter, and the Bullring for high street stores. Birmingham’s styles itself as the ‘curry capital of Britain’, so whether it’s a korma or a vindaloo you fancy you’ll be spoilt for choice here. And because it sits at the heart of England, it’s an ideal starting point for visits to Shakespeare Country and the Cotswolds.

Cheap flights to Birmingham

Flybe have cheap flights to Birmingham from 9 Airports in the UK.

The following routes are available to Birmingham.

Aberdeen to Birmingham, Belfast City to Birmingham, Edinburgh Airport to Birmingham, Glasgow International to Birmingham, Guernsey to Birmingham Airport, Inverness to Birmingham International, The Isle of Man Ronaldsway to Birmingham, Jersey, Channel Islands to Birmingham, Dundee Airport to Birmingham

Gatwick – England’s South Downs has sleepy market towns and classic seaside resorts

Gatwick is a lively regional centre in its own right, as well as home to London’s second largest airport. So the links to the capital are excellent. You can visit a local vineyard, whose wine attracts much favourable comment from critics. Or look in on some of the many stately homes in Sussex with their splendid gardens. The South Downs area major attraction in their own right, where you can get away from it all with hiking, camping or river fishing.

Cheap flights to London Gatwick,

Flybe have cheap flights to London Gatwick from 8 Airports in the UK.

The following routes are available to London Gatwick.

Belfast City to London Gatwick Airport, Guernsey to London Gatwick Airport, The Isle of Man Ronaldsway to Gatwick, Jersey in the Channel Islands to London, Newquay in Cornwall to London Gatwick, Inverness to London Gatwick, Newcastle Airport to London Gatwick, and Aberdeen Dyce Airport to London

Bristol – welcome to one of the hippest towns in Britain

Bristol is a university town and is famous for ‘trip-hop’ music. Historically this was one of England’s great seafaring cities and the Bristol Docks celebrate that great Victorian ‘religion’ – engineering. The city has produced more than its share of celebrities – from Wallace and Gromit to Cary Grant – his statue dominates Bristol’s Millennium Square. Bristol also makes a great jumping off point for tours of the Cotswolds to the north, Roman and Georgian Bath to the south, or prehistoric Wiltshire to the east. Meanwhile, to the west lie the brooding Welsh mountains.

Cheap flights to Bristol

Flybe have cheap flights to Bristol Airport from 3 Airports in the UK.

The following routes are available to Bristol.

Isle of Man to Bristol International Airport, Jersey in the Channel Islands to Bristol,

Exeter – regional capital in the lush Devon countryside

Exeter is a buzzing city with cobbled streets, an impressive Cathedral, Roman walls, a 14th century Guildhall and the lively Phoenix arts centre. Nearby you’ll find attractions like Powderham Castle with its train into a mine, and even a Hedgehog Hospital. But the real draw of Exeter is its location in the beautiful Devon countryside – the perfect place for walking, family days out and of course a cream tea. Just a short distance away is rugged Dartmoor, where you can follow wilderness trails past picturesque villages in wooded valleys.

Cheap flights to Exeter

Flybe have cheap flights to Exeter Airport from 8 Airports in the UK.

The following routes are available to Exeter in Devon.

The following routes are available to Exeter Airport.

Belfast City Airport to Exeter Airport, Guernsey to Exeter Airport, The Isle of Man Ronaldsway to Exeter Airport, Jersey in the Channel Islands to Exeter, Inverness to Exeter Airport, Newcastle to Exeter Airport, and Aberdeen to Exeter

Belfast – Northern Ireland’s capital of fun and adventure

Thanks to its lively pubs and infamous nightlife, Belfast is a port of call for weekend travellers, hen nights, stag dos and anyone in search of a good time. The ‘craic’ is legendary in Belfast and from the historic Crown Liquor Saloon to the city’s countless music bars, you’ll find it in abundance. But beyond bright lights of the city, the scenery on Belfast’s doorstep is some of the most breathtaking in Europe. A day trip to the Giant’s Causeway is a must for visitors. Or for fans of angling, cycling or golf, the Glens of Antrim or surroundings of Strangford Lough are simply unbeatable.

Cheap flights to Belfast City Airport

Flybe have cheap flights to Cardiff from 17 Airports in the UK.
The following routes are available to Belfast.

Aberdeen to Belfast City, Bristol International to George Best Airport, Cardiff to Belfast, Dundee to Belfast, Edinburgh Airport to Belfast, Robin Hood to Belfast, Exeter to Belfast airport, Glasgow International to Belfast, London to Belfast City, Guernsey to Belfast Airport, Liverpool John Lennon to Belfast City, Jersey to Belfast, Leeds/Bradford to Belfast, Manchester Ringway to Belfast, Newcastle Airport to Belfast, and Southampton Airport to Belfast City.

Flybe Newquay Airport

If you are flying to Newquay Airport in Cornwall from another airport in the UK with Flybe, you will want to know how long your flight will take. (Note these times are for direct flights only)

Flybe are the largest domestic airline in the United Kingdom and offer an unrivalled domestic route network from Newquay airport.
Flybe.co.uk currently flies to 2 UK cities from Newquay Airport.

Domestic Flight times to Newquay Airport

Flight time to Newquay from London Gatwick – 1 hour 5 minutes
Flight time to Newquay from Edinburgh – 1 hour 35 minutes

Flybe also fly from Nantes to Newquay in Europe. Book your Summer 2011 flights now, fares are on sale now from just £19.99 one way which includes taxes and airport charges.

With the withdrawal of Easyjet flights from the 28/03/11 on the Newcastle to London Stansted route a quick reminder that Flybe operate up to 4 flights a day from Newcastle to London Gatwick Airport.

With convenient departure times from early morning to early evening’ business and leisure travellers can be sure of getting to the capital quickly and at a time that suits them.

For fast connections into London, travellers arriving from Newcastle can hop on to the Gatwick Express for a 30 minute journey into Central London.

Flybe are the UK’s largest domestic airline and fly between Newcastle and London over 40 times a week.

Flybe Newcastle Airport

If you are flying to Newcastle Airport from another airport in the UK with Flybe, you will want to know how long your flight will take. (Note these times are for direct flights only)

Flybe  are the largest domestic airline in the United Kingdom and offer an unrivalled domestic route network from Newcastle airport.
Flybe.co.uk currently flies to 9 UK cities from Newcastle Airport.

Domestic Flight times to Newcastle Airport

Flight time to Newcastle from Belfast City  – 60 minutes
Flight time to Newcastle from Exeter – 1 hour 20 minutes
Flight time to Newcastle from Jersey – 1 hour 40 minutes
Flight time to Newcastle from London Gatwick – 1 Hour 25 minutes
Flight time to Newcastle from Southampton – 1 hour 15 minutes

Flybe also fly from Limoges to Newcastle in Europe. Book your Summer 2011 flights now, fares are on sale now from just £19.99 one way which includes taxes and airport charges.

Edinburgh– culture and nightlife, next to glorious countryside

From the breathtaking medieval Old Town to the smart restaurants and chic boutique shopping in the New Town, Edinburgh is bursting with life, and full of history. As well as playing host to countless actors, artists, comedians and film stars during its many world-famous festivals, the city has been home to some famous figures in history too. Go on one of the many walking tours of the city and you’ll get acquainted with Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Greyfriars Bobbie – who all lived in Edinburgh. Or if you prefer figures of a supernatural variety, a ghost tour through the spooky lanes of the Old Town might be right up your alley.

 Cheap flights to Edinburgh,

 Flybe have cheap flights to Edinburgh Airport from 13 Airports in the UK.

The following routes are available to Edinburgh.

Belfast City to Edinburgh, Birmingham Airport to Edinburgh, Exeter to Edinburgh, Cardiff International to Edinburgh Airport, Isle of Man Ronaldsway to Edinburgh, Jersey, Channel Islands to Edinburgh, Newquay to Edinburgh, Manchester Ringway to Edinburgh, Manston Airport to Edinburgh, and Southampton/Eastleigh Airport to Edinburgh

Flybe New Route:

Following on from the success of the launch of flights from Manston to Edinburgh in Scotland; Flybe have announced the launch of a new route from the Kent Airport.
The new route will fly between the airports of Manston and Belfast City airport in Northern Ireland. Flights on the route will begin on May 26th with a three times weekly service between the 2 airports.

Announcing the new flights, Mike Rutter, Flybe’s chief commercial officer, said: “The addition of Manston to our route network opens up the south east of England to our passengers in Northern Ireland enabling new opportunities for both business and leisure travel.”
The 2 airports offer fantastic convenience for travellers with Belfast City airport just 3 miles from the centre of the city. Meanwhile Manston Airport in Kent offers a hassle and stress free environment that can only be found at a small regional airport.

Flights to and from Manston and Belfast City can be booked now at Flybe from as little as £29.99 one way, which includes taxes and charges.

Flybe all set for the big Rugby Union showdown this weekend in Ireland. England will have to beat the Irish at the newly redeveloped 50,000 seat Lansdowne Road to ensure that they take the RBS Six Nations championship.  Wales are still in with a chance of securing the title but will need a large points victory over the French in Paris.

Flybe have laid on extra flights this weekend for English supporters heading to Dublin from Southampton Airport.

Liz Seddon at FHR has more on the story:

Flybe flights from Southampton Airport to Dublin have been sold in record numbers for the Six Nations clash.

The airline said that it had experienced a high level of sales for its upgraded services to Dublin for passengers heading to the rugby game between England and Ireland.

This weekend Flybe will operate 26 flights between the Irish capital and UK travel hub and is using larger 118-seat Embraer 195 jets on some of the services instead of its usual 78-seater Q400 aircraft, as a result of customer demand.

“One of the secrets of Flybe’s successful business model is our ability to react quickly to our customers’ needs,” Flybe’s chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said.

He added that the airline had acted to meet the extra demand swiftly and was right to do so, as increased sales have shown.

Edinburgh Airport invests to fight Heavy Snowfall.

Following the frequent and heavy snowfalls in December 2010, Edinburgh Airport has made an investment of £1.5 million in new snow clearing equipment to help keep the airport open during snowfalls.
There were several heavy falls of snow in the Central Belt during December as Scotland endured one of its coldest months on record. This has been the 2nd severe winter in succession and the Airport has decided to act.

Announcing the investment to the Transport Committee at the Scottish Parliament; BAA director David Lister said the new equipment should be place before the beginning of winter 2011/2012.
Whilst the new equipment will help to keep the runway open in snowy weather.

It was noted that during extreme weather the airport along with most other airports will always be forced to close for snow clearance.
However the new equipment will help to keep such closures to a minimum.

Mt Lister said: “We only have one core runway, which means under extreme snow conditions, we will always be forced to close.
“Any airport which only has one runway is not able to guarantee it remains open under those conditions.

Geneva

– a river city set against a stunning backdrop of lakes and mountains.

One of the joys of Geneva is drinking hot chocolate in a cosy café. This stable and tranquil city sits at the heart of Europe and the high altitude helps temper the summer heat. Geneva has great galleries and excellent French and Italian cooking, and a satisfying day out could include taking the lake steamer to the romantic Castle Chinon. Or take the train along the shore of Lake Lausanne past castles and chateaux.

Cheap flights to Geneva

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Flybe have cheap flights to Cardiff from 4 Airports in the UK.

Cardiff

– a lively modern city for lovers of sports, parties, and nature   

Visitors come to Cardiff for castles (these are the historic Welsh Marches), as well as for choirs and Caerphilly cheese. Opera and rugby are other big local draws and your ability to muster a good fire-side singing voice in a Cardiff pub is still an admired art. Beyond the city you can visit the Rhondda Valley, a rural gem where the decades have softened the industrial past which was once dominated by ‘black gold’, coal. Try a short break in a converted old Rhondda Valley water mill.

Cheap flights to Cardiff

Flybe have cheap flights to Cardiff from 5 Airports in the UK.
The following routes are available to Cardiff.
Belfast City to Cardiff, Edinburgh Airport to Cardiff, Glasgow International to Cardiff, Jersey to Cardiff, and Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport to Cardiff International.

Glasgow – Scotland’s biggest city is stylish and lively

Thanks to its world-famous art college and buzzing music scene, Glasgow has a well deserved reputation as a creative hot-spot. And with everyone from Turner Prize nominees to Brit Award winners calling the city home, any trip there is sure to get your creative juices flowing. The city’s restaurants have also earned a fantastic reputation thanks to the way Glasgow’s chefs handle beef, fowl, game and seafood. Beyond the city are the lochs and mountains of the Western Highlands, superb for fishing, walking, shooting and rock climbing. Down the road is Stirling Castle with its Braveheart connections.

Cheap Flybe flights to Glasgow

For flights to Glasgow, Flybe have cheap flights from 13 UK Airports. The following routes are available to Glasgow. Belfast City to Glasgow International, Birmingham International to Glasgow, Cardiff Airport to Glasgow, Exeter Airport to Glasgow, Guernsey Channel Islands to Glasgow Airport, Isle of Man Airport to Glasgow, Jersey to Glasgow, Manchester Ringway to Glasgow International, and Southampton Airport to Glasgow

With Edinburgh Airport now established as Scotland’s largest airport plans continue to provide better public transport for passengers getting to and from the airport.

The latest plans for the tram link to the airport have been beset with problems.

The latest problems involve a dispute over the Tram stop and the associated ticket office have been criticised as being rather underwhelming.

As is being reported over at FHR travel:

Plans for a tram stop and ticket office at Edinburgh Airport have been released to criticism.
Tram chiefs were met by opposition from some quarters after the designs for the two services were described as being “underwhelming”, the Scotsman reported.
Firm TIE revealed the plans, which showed that passengers using the tram stop will be open to the weather.
The Cockburn Association, a heritage group, said that overseas travellers coming to the nation would not find the facilities welcoming enough.
In addition, the organisation expressed concern that rain on windy days could lash passengers.
However, council planning officials still want to plans to be carried out and are meeting again this week to discuss the matter.

Following the 2nd anniversary of the popular Newquay to London Gatwick route Flybe have been celebrating the runaway success of the direct route from London to the South West of England.

As the only airline now flying the route after the withdrawal of flights by Air Southwest have recently added capacity giving passengers the choice of 3 flights a day.
The route offers 3 daily departure times from Gatwick Airport of 9.00, late afternoon and mid evening ensuring leisure and business passengers frequent and convenient flights.

Paula Garrett at airportsinformationblog reports of the celebrations:
It’s two years now since Flybe launched its popular Newquay to Gatwick service – the South West’s only air route to London and the South East.

Passengers checking in for the ‘second anniversary’ flight were greeted by a colourful London ‘guardsman’, complete with red uniform and black busby, who presented two lucky winners with two return flights for future use on the key route. For local businessman Andrew McKin, it was his 55th flight on this key route, with Colin Lemmings from Dartford, Kent commenting that he usually travels with Flybe twice a month between his London and Newquay offices.

During its first two years of operation, the Flybe London Gatwick to Newquay sector has grown passengers numbers by 46%, with many of Flybe’s weekend flights over 80% full.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “Just two years after Flybe started operating direct flights between Newquay and London Gatwick, it is clear that the service has benefited the Cornish economy and the Cornish travelling public.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our passengers for their support in making this route the success it has become. We are also particularly proud of the fact that this route is also helping to open up the Cornish economy to the rest of the world by means of Flybe’s connecting services from our London Gatwick base. By way of example, our extensive interline partnerships with airlines like Emirates, Air France and Virgin Atlantic has allowed Cornish travellers in the past few months alone to check-in their baggage at Newquay Cornwall Airport and pick it up again when they arrive at such far-flung destinations as Atlanta, Denmark, Dubai, Orlando and Singapore!”

With winter in the Alps continuing now is the time to grab a last minute trip to the Alps.
The forecast for the Alps this week is for general snowfall over the next few days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.

The French Alps in particular should be well favoured for any heavier falls.
See you on the slopes.

Latest low fares on ski flights from www.flybe.com :

Good Afternoon, here are the latest ski flight offers from Flybe.

Cheap flights from Exeter to Geneva Airport
Flight price £68.99 one way, includes taxes and charges

Cheap flights from Southampton to Geneva
Flight price £42.99 one way, includes taxes and charges

Cheap flights from Exeter Airport to Chambery
Flight price £71.99 one way, includes taxes and charges

Flybe Fare Availability

All fares shown are subject to availability and can only be found when making an online booking.
Last minute flights from Flybe are updated regularly.

We update these offers very regularly, check back soon to see more offers.

Flybe Uk are the UK’s largest domestic airline with flights from 38 departure airports in the United Kingdom

Flybe Winter 2011 to 2012 flights

Flybe have just released a selection of flights of their most popular routes for the 2011/2012 winter. The UK’s largest domestic airline has released flights from 6 UK airports to 24 destination cities. You can now book winter 2012 flights from the following airports:
London Gatwick Airport, Birmingham International Airport, Exeter Airport, Isle of Man Airport, Jersey Airport and Southampton.

Highlights of destinations that can be booked now include: London Gatwick Airport to Aberdeen, London Gatwick to Newcastle Airport, and also Southampton flights to Malaga and Alicante in Spain.

Commenting on Flybe Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “Flybe recognises that people are keen to plan ahead for their holidays and business trips and so, because of popular demand, we have put 24 of our most popular routes on sale earlier than usual this year. We are committed to responding to our passengers’ needs so they can plan their winter travel in advance and take advantage of the lowest possible ‘earlybird’ fares.”

Sun drenched and full of sparkle, Nice is the most visited city in France after Paris – and it’s easy to see why. With first-rate shopping, world-class museums and streets filled with glamorous Eurocrats, the city’s rustic charm is equalled by its sex appeal. As well as Europe’s elite, Nice has long been a magnet for artists. Marc Chagall painted here, and the Musee Chagall is just one of the many galleries on Nice’s cultural map. The palm lined Promenade des Anglais is also a hot spot for people watching, catching some sun or gearing up for a night out at the city’s infamous clubs and bars.

Cheap Flybe Flights to Nice

For flights to Nice, Flybe.com have cheap flights from 10 UK Airports. The following routes are available to Nice. Belfast City to Nice, Edinburgh Airport to Nice, Glasgow International to Nice, Guernsey to Nice Airport, The Isle of Man Ronaldsway to Nice, Leeds/Bradford to Nice, Manchester Ringway to Nice, Newcastle Airport to Nice, and Southampton/Eastleigh Airport to Nice