A new twice daily PSO (Public Service Obligation) air route between Anglesey, RAF Valley, and Cardiff International Airport is to be introduced on Tuesday 8 May. The service, operated by Inverness-based Highland Airways, will be flown by a fully pressurised BAe Jetstream 18-seat turboprop and is the first of its type in Wales.
Flights will reduce the travel time between the north and south of the Principality to around 60 minutes with a day trip to either end a practicality. By road the journey time can easily be more than four hours. The service will operate Monday to Friday and Highland Airways says that bookings on the airline”s website have already opened.
Highland commercial director Basil O”Fee pointed out that the airline is already very experienced with this low key type of operation, operating similar services to the Scottish Western Isles: ”The new service will be of great benefit to Wales from a commercial and tourism point of view. Our timetable is designed to permit a day”s business to be achieved at either end of the route".
”Although fares are capped at ”50 ($98), Highland Airways intends to offer a range of fares for those willing to book early online to encourage people to try the service.” Departures from Cardiff are 07:30 and 16:15 and Anglesey 08:55 and 17:40 Monday to Thursday. On Fridays the afternoon service is an hour earlier due to the operational requirements of RAF Valley.
Minister for enterprise, innovation and networks, Andrew Davies said: ”I would like to welcome Highland Airways on board and thank our partners, Isle of Anglesey County Council and RAF Valley, in their support in getting this service off the ground. This is a good example of the partnership working. Airports and air services have a vital role to play within the framework of an integrated and sustainable transport system in Wales. This new service adds to the range of options for travellers between Anglesey and Cardiff.”