Regional operator Flybe has today launched six new routes from London City airport (LCY).
The carrier has started routes from Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Exeter, Dublin and Inverness to LCY.
Flybe’s CEO Saad Hammad said the airline is targeting business travellers as part of its London expansion plans. "Our new London City routes provide direct links for customers in the regions to the heart of London's financial district,” said Hammad.
The aircraft on the new routes were christened under the “Spirit of the Regions” theme at the launch event today at LCY. Flybe said it expects to carry around 500,000 passengers a year to and from London City.
Alex Salmond, first minister for Scotland, welcomed the new routes and stressed the economic benefits better links to London can bring.
“The flights will also provide a real boost for our tourism industry, making it easier for visitors to travel north and get a taste of the wonderful experiences on offer in and around all three cities,” said Salmond.
“Of course, we could attract more flights to Scotland by cutting rates of Air Passenger Duty, something that we don’t currently have the power to do but which has wide support in the aviation industry,” he added.
Hammad said: “From today, purple Flybe aircraft will be a regular feature in the skies above the City of London as we begin daily services with six aircraft into/from London City Airport.
“This can only benefit our brand profile and reach over the longer term as knowledge of Flybe's role in connecting the UK regions and Ireland with London becomes more widespread.”
Earlier this month, Flybe announced a partnership with Avios, replacing the regional airline’s existing Rewards4All frequent flyer programme.