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easyJet to launch Belfast - Manchester flights

1st April 2011 Print
easyJet to launch Belfast - Manchester flights

easyJet is to launch its first flights from Belfast International Airport to Manchester.

The new service will start on 31 October and there will be two flights daily with fares from £23.99, one way including taxes. Flights are going on sale this week on easyJet.com

Ali Gayward, easyJet commercial manager, said: “We believe it is a very good time to introduce the Manchester route.

“The city is increasingly becoming an important business centre, and with weekday flights from 07:20, people will be able to complete a full day’s work on arrival in Manchester.

“We will also be providing business people in the North West of England with cost-effective and flexible access to Belfast.

“More people are now going to Manchester on short breaks and, of course, many football fans will be heading there for big matches, particularly at weekends.”

easyJet has also announced that, from 9 May, it will again operate its flights to London Luton from Belfast International Airport.

The airline transferred the Luton service to George Best Belfast City Airport in January last year, but says it makes commercial sense to return to the International.

Ali Gayward said: “Moving to Belfast City Airport was always a trial, but in over a year we have seen no tangible benefits.

“Our 20 other routes operate from Belfast International and we will now consolidate our overall operation by re-establishing our Luton flights from there as well.

“Luton is a popular route for both business and leisure travellers, and dovetails well with our other London area services from Belfast International to Stansted and Gatwick.

“Our same high standards of service will continue to be a priority and will ensure that easyJet retains its position as Northern Ireland’s favourite airline.”

Commenting on easyJet’s Manchester and Luton announcements, Uel Hoey, business development director at Belfast International Airport, said: “This is excellent news for the airport, the local employment market and the broader Northern Ireland economy.

“easyJet’s commitment to an exciting new growth phase at its traditional Northern Ireland home will mean many more passengers coming through the doors at Belfast International.

“I’m particularly pleased that easyJet has chosen to fortify its already extensive network by filling the obvious gap in the market for a quality service on the Belfast – Manchester route.

“Together with the return of the easyJet Luton service and ongoing evaluations in respect of other key domestic and international routes, these are truly exciting times for the airport.”
 

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easyJet to launch Belfast - Manchester flights