Ryanair launches new flights from Glasgow Prestwick

Ryanair launched two of its three new destinations from Glasgow Prestwick Airport yesterday. And the one hundred and seventy-eight passengers checking in for this afternoon's flight to Tenerife were treated to a carnival atmosphere in the terminal.

Ten Spanish dancers performed some routines while the passengers helped themselves to sangria and tapas - provided by duty free operator Nuance, and the airport’s bar and restaurant operator SSP.

Ryanair’s new sunshine destinations also include Malaga, which left this morning with one hundred and fifty-four passengers on board, and Faro which starts on Wednesday.

Nuance is providing passengers on all three flights with a discount voucher for its tax and duty free store.

These new services will further strengthen Glasgow Prestwick’s route network, bringing the total number of scheduled destinations operated by Ryanair to twenty-nine following several new route announcements in the last year.

To celebrate, ryanair.com is offering fares from £1 on their Glasgow Prestwick services for bookings made between midnight tonight and midnight on Thursday October 30. The offer applies to travel between November 11 and January 31*.

Mark Rodwell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, commented: “These new services are a beacon of light in an industry which is facing a number of challenges at the moment.

“While many airlines are cutting back on services, this clearly shows how committed Ryanair is to its base here at Glasgow Prestwick Airport.”

He added: “Ryanair is an airline with a strong business model which allows it to keep fares as low as possible. We are delighted to be working with Ryanair at a time when cost is becoming more important for the traveller.

“These new destinations have always been popular among Scottish holidaymakers. Advance sales have been very encouraging and we expect that trend to continue throughout winter.”

Bridget Dowling, Ryanair’s Sales and Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “As we anticipated, our flights to Tenerife, Malaga and Faro are proving extremely popular. With the best punctuality in Europe, the lowest fares guaranteed and no fuel surcharge ever, there has never been a better time to fly with Ryanair.

“To celebrate the success of our new routes from Glasgow Prestwick, we are offering flights from just £1 bookable on ryanair.com from today. We advise passengers to book early as these seats will be snapped up fast.”

* The following terms and conditions apply:

Booking period: Tues 28 Oct 08 - midnight Thurs 30 Oct 08
Travel period: 11 Nov 08 - 31 Jan 09
Applicable days: after 10am Mon / all day Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat
Advance purchase: 14 Days (subject to availability)
Blockoff days: 18 Dec 08 - 07 Jan 09