Flybe, the largest scheduled carrier at George Best Belfast City Airport, has launched its new schedule announcing two additional routes which for the
first time will include a direct service to France. From May 26, 2007 passengers will be able to fly directly to Rennes, capital
of Brittany, as well as Newquay, gateway to the Cornish Riviera.The addition of these two new routes brings the total number of destinations served by
Flybe from Northern Ireland to 16.
Mike Rutter, Flybe's Chief Commercial Officer, says the moves signal the fulfilment of a promise to provide more European destinations directly from
Belfast.
"The inaugural route to France marks a significant step in our growth plans for George Best Belfast City Airport and demonstrates our determination and
perseverance to provide passengers in Northern Ireland with maximum opportunity to benefit from both our UK and European network."
"The announcement of our first European destination from Belfast is not only the culmination of an extremely dynamic year in which we launched three new
routes to Inverness, Galway and Doncaster/ Sheffield but also the start of an even more exciting era as we embark on a new chapter in our company's
development.
"Upon successful completion of Flybe's purchase of BA Connect early next year the potential for new destinations across the network is enormous and
we will be endeavouring to include Northern Ireland in that route expansion,so it's a case of 'watch this space'," says Mr Rutter.
Commenting on the exciting route announcement, Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive, George Best Belfast City Airport said, "International routes have
long been a goal for George Best Belfast City Airport and we are delighted that Flybe have announced the first scheduled international service to
Rennes. The inclusion of Newquay in the Flybe network is also an excellent development and shows the airline¹s commitment to the Northern Ireland
market."
French Consul to N.Ireland Regine McCullough says the link from Belfast to Rennes makes sound strategic sense.
"Rennes is in the heart of Brittany and is a gateway to the whole of the north west of France. We welcome this service wholeheartedly as it helps
draw Northern Ireland and this region of France closer to the heart of Europe," says the Consul.
Rennes, a university city with a population of some 100,000 lies about 150 miles west of Paris. The beautiful and historic city is a hub of access to
the north and west coasts and will be reached in under 90 minutes from Belfast.
Newquay is Cornwall's largest and most popular year round resort with eleven excellent beaches, a spectacular coastline, top quality restaurants
including Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, a vibrant surf culture and the fascinating Eden project.
The George Best Belfast City to Rennes and Newquay weekly services will begin operations on May 26, 2007 and are on sale from November 28 with
lead-in one-way fares starting from £39.99 to Rennes and from £34.99 to Newquay.