VLM celebrates anniversary of Antwerp – Manchester route

The route Antwerp – Manchester of VLM Airlines has achieved excellent results after one year of operations, resulting into 16% more passengers than initially budgeted for. To mark the first anniversary of the route Antwerp – Manchester, Flemish Minister President, Kris Peeters attended the ceremonies together with Jaap Rosen Jacobson, chairman of VLM Airlines.

Flemish Minister President Peeters explains: "The social-economic importance of the Flemish regional airports is fully recognized by the Flemish government. Airports are Flanders’ economic gateways, with a prosperity creating character. The airport of Antwerp, home base of VLM Airlines, is primarily directed at the Antwerp business community, more specifically the diamond sector and the industry. The airport is of inestimable value for this business community, mainly because of its efficiency, flexibility and speed."

VLM Airlines launched its Antwerp – Manchester route on 30th October 2006, today, one year later, the airline company celebrates the first successful year of the route.

Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines comments: “Since the start on 30 October 2006, we have carried 16% more passengers than initially targeted on this route. For the year 2007, we expect to carry a total of 26.000 passengers on this route, 26% more than we initially thought on a calendar year basis. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of Min. Kris Peeters and we are very grateful for the time and effort he has placed in the development of Antwerp Airport as a regional business airport.”

The Antwerp – Manchester route marked a new era for Antwerp Airport. Not only the flights with VLM Airlines to Manchester witnessed a very positive result after one year of operations, also the Antwerp – London, City route will again see a spectacular increase in 2007, VLM Airlines expects to carry 10.000 passengers or 12% more than in 2006 on this route.

Vanneste ads: “Both routes departing out of Antwerp with VLM Airlines will account for 36.000 more passengers than the previous year, or an increase of 43%, which is a very positive signal to Antwerp Airport and the business community using this airport.”
Manchester is also becoming increasingly important to the VLM network, as earlier this year, VLM Airlines launched the route Rotterdam direct to Manchester. And with its eight flights every weekday to London City, this airport now has 14 flights departing to three different destinations every day of the week.