FLYBE will reintroduce its Guernsey to Norwich service next summer, it has confirmed.
The airline cancelled the service in September 2008 saying there was a lack of demand.
However, in what could be seen as a signal of confidence in the island as a holiday destination, Flybe has now joined forces with Norwich Airport and travel operator Premier Holidays to restart the service.
It will operate on Saturdays from 15 May until 25 September.
Flybe’s head of press & PR Niall Duffy said the airline was delighted to be able to reintroduce the link.
‘This is great news for the Guernsey economy and shows that the island remains a popular place for UK visitors as they look at non-euro destinations. With tickets available from just £44.99, we’ll be working closely with all our partners to make this route a success,’ he said.
Premier Holidays’ managing director Susan Papworth expected a high number of bookings from people wanting to visit the island.
‘Our sales to Guernsey have increased solidly this year as people enjoy the island’s French influences and the benefit of a European holiday without the euro,’ she said.
‘We have had a high number of forward booking enquiries for trips to Guernsey and expect the Flybe route will be a fantastic addition to the programme in 2010.’
A spokesman for Commerce and Employment welcomed the news.
‘From a visitor economy perspective this opens up an area of the UK that is largely untapped, in terms of convenient air routes to the island, at the current time,’ he said.
The department said it would target the region with marketing initiatives to try and boost sales.
Norwich Airport’s managing director Elliott Summers said Guernsey was back by popular demand.
‘We continue to work with airlines and tour operators to bring back the destinations which local people want.’
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday.
Article posted on 29th October, 2009 - 2.29pm
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