New airline flies into Prestwick Airport

Dec 11 2009 by Cheryl Mcevoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BARGAIN airline Flybe has landed in Prestwick for the first time.

The company revealed this week that they will launch a brand new route to Jersey next summer.

The move comes just weeks after MP Brian Donohoe called on new airlines to move to Ayrshire, insisting that the airport is too dependent on Ryanair.

Paula Horne is the airport’s passenger development manager.

She explained that tour operator, Jersey based CI Travel Group, will offer holiday packages and flights between June 19 and September 11 next year.

She said: “It’s a double helping of good news for Prestwick.

“Not only do we have a wonderful new sunshine route to the Channel Islands, but we also welcome Flybe, Europe’s biggest regional airline, which is operating its first ever scheduled service from the airport.

“It means our prospects are excellent as we go into 2010 with 33 great low-cost routes around the UK and Europe.”

The news comes just a week after Ryanair revealed that they will introduce one new route and increase the frequency of six others in the new year.

Paula added: “We’re convinced Jersey will be a massive success from Prestwick.

“Another great favourite with Scottish sun-seekers, it’s Europe without the Euro, so your holiday pound will go further.”

Central Ayrshire MP Mr Donohoe welcomed the news, insisting that it will be a major boost to Prestwick.

He said: “This is great news for the airport and hopefully is just the start of new airlines and routes being announced for next year.

“With more holiday makers deciding to stay closer to hope I think this will prove a popular route and opens up the Channel Islands to people from central and southern Scotland.”

And David de Carteret, director of tourism at CI Travel, has a similar opinion.

He said: “This opens up an excellent opportunity for the island to market itself to a community that can now put Jersey on their shopping list as a very convenient and attractive option.

“We look forward to working together to secure a successful operation.”