Flybe secures Heathrow slots
Flybe will launch two routes from Heathrow next year, to Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
The slots, out of Terminal 2, became available following the acquisition of bmi Regional by International Consolidated Airlines Group and the new routes complement Flybe’s London City flights from the two Scottish airports.
The announcement coincides with the appointment of Christine Ourmieres-Widener as its CEO, with effect from January 16 2017.
The former CEO of CityJet replaces Saad Hammad who left in October. Acting executive chairman Simon Laffin will now return to his role as non-executive chairman.
The slots will not be purchased by Flybe and the airline is not required to pay to use the slots, other than meet Heathrow landing and passenger charges.
Flights have been conveniently timed for both business and leisure travel and fares are from £39.99 one way including taxes and charges.
This route expansion means that, with effect from March 26 2017, Flybe will offer up to 18 flights a day between London and Edinburgh, and 10 between London and Aberdeen.
Executive chairman Simon Laffin said: "These new services position us well to serve our passengers in both Scotland and the South East.
"We have long been lobbying for Heathrow to offer more opportunities for domestic flights to enhance regional connectivity.
"Whilst other operators may have dismissed the possibility of further domestic routes into Heathrow, we look forward to working with the airport to further expand the range of domestic destinations."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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