Flybe to rescue of Leeds Bradford

Flybe has announced some good news for Yorkshire and the North with the launch of a new three times daily service from Leeds Bradford to London Gatwick.

Following BMI’s decision in March to axe their service from Leeds Bradford to London Heathrow, Flybe will introduce a business-friendly schedule that will hugely benefit the regional economies of Yorkshire and the Humber, as a result, creating up to 130 jobs for the region and adding 20 direct Flybe jobs at Gatwick.

Responding to widespread business and political disappointment at the removal of the direct air link to London, and the deterioration of rail services to the capital, Flybe – as it did for both Newcastle and Aberdeen in 2009 – has again come to the rescue.

Flybe will begin operating the three times a day service from 29th June with fares starting at just £24.99 one way including taxes and charges to be operated on an environmentally efficient, state-of-the-art Bombardier Q400. Flights can be booked from today at flybe.com.

Says Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer, Flybe: “Air services from London Gatwick to Leeds Bradford are of great strategic importance to Yorkshire and the North in general and we’re delighted to be able to fill the gap and introduce a service to London so soon after BMI abandoned their service.

“The new service demonstrates Flybe’s commitment to the region, continuing to help the local economy through the development of affordable and convenient business and leisure travel options.

He continues: “We stepped in to provide airlinks to London when other operators walked away from Newcastle and Aberdeen and are now getting a bit of a reputation as the airline that comes to the rescue of the regions.”

Commenting on Flybe’s announcement, Rt. Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber said: “Regular and dependable flights between Leeds Bradford and London are very important for our region’s economy. I warmly welcome the launch of Flybe’s new service to this region, which I know will be extremely well received, particularly by the business community.”

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford International Airport's Commercial Director commented:

“This is fantastic news for the city of Leeds and the West Yorkshire region. We welcome the introduction of Flybe services to London Gatwick which will once again provide a valuable airlink to the capital for business and leisure travellers. We also look forward to working with our regional tourism partners to encourage an increase in the number of visitors to the Yorkshire region from London and the South East.”