Low cost airline’s double-whammy for Belfast
1 November 2007
The rapid growth of Jet2.com’s base at Belfast International was given an additional boost this week as the airline flew its first Boeing 757 aircraft into the airport to launch its Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, service.
The airline has also announced that its station manager at Belfast International, Debbie Abbott, has won the prestigious Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Personality of the Year at the NI Travel & tourism Awards, 2007.
Fighting off fierce competition from travel industry representatives from across the region, Debbie came out top in recognition of her efforts in promoting Northern Ireland in the tourism industry, as well as managing Jet2.com’s busy and ever-growing operations out of Belfast International Airport.
TV personality, Angela Rippon, was on hand to present the award to Debbie at the lavish awards gala, which was attended by more than 400 industry decision-makers at the Slieve Donard Hotel on October 19th.
The Boeing 757, which is capable of carrying 235 passengers, will be flying twice a week on the airline’s recently-launched service to Gran Canaria, with the inaugural flight departing Monday this week (29 October). It will also fly on the airline’s successful Malaga service.
In addition to the smaller 148-seat Boeing 737 aircraft that are based at Belfast International, the arrival of the 757 will enable residents of the city and beyond to travel further a field, capitalising on the increased range that the aircraft offers.
Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, said: “It is fantastic news that the travel industry has recognised the unstinting work of Debbie Abbott in promoting the region and overseeing our rapid expansion from Belfast International Airport.
“Once again, we are delighted to receive accolades and awards from the Travel Industry in view of the high calibre of our staff. We are very proud of Debbie and all that she has achieved thus far.
“This news, coupled with the introduction of the Boeing 757 on key services, means this truly is an exciting time for Belfast and the surrounding region. In fact, the popularity of our services out of Belfast International has been so high that we’ve had to bring in this larger aircraft to cope with demand.
“Offering flights on our flagship 757 aircraft from Belfast International means residents of Northern Ireland now have even more options when it comes to jetting away.
“The introduction of the Boeing 757 will also enable us to maintain our award-winning low fares and excellent service, as lower operating costs means we can pass these savings on to passengers.
“Whilst we’ll initially fly to Gran Canaria and Malaga, we will also look to extend this as our routes continue to grow in popularity.”
John Doran, managing director at Belfast International Airport, said: “The additional capacity provided by the introduction of larger aircraft to Belfast by Jet2.com is good news for the Northern Ireland consumer, and will enable the airline to evaluate route opportunities which were previously out of range for smaller aircraft”.
For more information visit Jet2.com.
