Flights take off from Lake District airport for first time in 26 years
Carlisle Lake District Airport has launching commercial flights for the first time in more than 25 years today.
The inaugural service to Dublin, operated by Loganair, took off following a blessing from The Archdeacon of Carlisle, Lee Townend.
Loganair will offer links from the Stobart Group-owned and operated airport to offer air links to Dublin, London Southend Airport and Belfast City Airport, opening Cumbria and the Lake District region to the South East of England, Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.
The airport, which once served as an RAF airfield, has a new, modern terminal, new runways and taxi ways and a cafe
Loganair MD Jonathan Hinkles said:"These three routes will be a complete game-changer for the region’s connectivity with London and Ireland – extremely beneficial for the business community and highly convenient for tourists booking breaks to the Lake District.
"Congratulations to everyone for working so hard to make this possible. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the first customers onboard."
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:~"It’s fantastic to be here as passenger flights return to Carlisle airport for the first time in 26 years, bringing new connections, jobs and investment to the region.
"Our Aviation 2050 strategy outlines our ambition to support regional airports and~today’s announcement will bring new international opportunities for the north west."
Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: "Giving businesses and communities in Cumbria – the true North – the investment and connectivity they need to flourish lies at the heart of our vision for the Northern Powerhouse and our ‘whole North’ approach to building a rebalanced and prosperous economy which works for everyone.
"I am proud to witness the first commercial flight to Carlisle Airport in a quarter of a century thanks to support from the Government’s Local Growth Fund. This will not only boost the free-flow of goods, people and services, but also drive national and international tourism to this beautiful part of the Northern Powerhouse."
Cumbria Tourism MD Gill Haigh said: "Opening up new markets is vital in a competitive and fast-paced visitor economy and today’s launch is an exciting day for Carlisle, for Cumbria and for the county’s £3 billion tourism industry."
"We know from working with the Irish markets, that there is a huge appetite for these new routes and there is a great opportunity to link up with transatlantic flights and the lucrative US market. Our own visitor survey also demonstrates a growth in visitors from the South East, so the airport is providing further accessibility and convenience for these passengers."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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