Flybe has launched a daily service linking Southampton and Frankfurt for the first time. The route will be operated using a 50-seat Embraer EMJ 145 jet, one of 28 acquired with the takeover of BA Connect with a flight time of 90 minutes.
Southampton is now connected to four of the major hubs in mainland Europe ” Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Frankfurt, with the latter the third new German destination to be launched from the city in the last six months. Travellers can now fly to D”sseldorf, Frankfurt and Hannover on one of 25 direct flights each week.
Considered to be the financial hub of Germany, Frankfurt is home to the Central European Bank and more than 400 financial institutions. Over 12m visitors travel to Frankfurt annually for international trade fairs and conventions. In addition, the city is rich in history and culture and provides excellent shopping facilities, including Christmas markets during December.
Stephen Myatt, who works for the UK Trade & Investment team south east said: ”In my role as the international trade advisor of aerospace and airports, I welcome the news. We work closely with the UK commercial officers at the UK Embassy and Consulates in Germany. We have much experience in dealing with the German market and in assisting companies using the routes for their German market development.”
Southampton Airport managing director Chris Butler said: ”A recent survey conducted by law firm Bond Pearce, highlighted that 95% of Hampshire companies are in favour of the growth of Southampton Airport. This new route is excellent news for the region”s businesses, and will further strengthen our connections throughout Europe.”
Picture shows an Embraer 195 seen taking off at Southampton Airport. These aircraft are used on the popular routes to Scotland. The Embraer 145 fleet has yet to be painted in Flybe colours.