New Conrwall air link sparks row
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Flybe is to set up a regular air link between Cornwall and London – sparking a row with incumbent carrier Air Southwest
Flights between Newquay and Gatwick are due to start on February 15, undercutting fares offered by Air Southwest on the route.
Flybe will operate three times a day on weekdays, daily on Saturdays and twice daily on Sundays.
Fares start at £29.99 one way including taxes and airport charges.
But Mike Coombes, deputy chief executive at Air Southwest, questioned Flybe’s commitment to the region.
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“What Newquay Airport and Cornwall’s economy needs more than anything at the moment is the stability that comes from year-round air services, not fair-weather friends seeking to duplicate existing flights,†he said.
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“Flybe has a very poor track record at Newquay having promised the earth and delivered very little, so customers have a right to question their commitment to Cornwall.
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“Last year Flybe announced a range of new routes from Newquay, none of which is currently flying. One of them – Southampton – barely even started while others, like Glasgow, Jersey, and Birmingham have been quietly dropped or, like Edinburgh, relegated to a summer only service. None of this brings lasting benefit to Cornwall or its economy.
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“As Cornwall’s own airline Air Southwest, in contrast, operates eight routes from Newquay year-round including four flights a day, seven days a week to London Gatwick and we do not see the benefit of duplicate services.â€
Chief commercial officer Mike Rutter responded, saying: “The comments made today by Mike Coombes of Air South West to Flybe’s announcement on the new London Gatwick route are ill advised and we have absolutely no intention of not being around in the years to come.â€
Rutter added: “It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for Newquay Cornwall Airport but Flybe’s decision today is a vote of confidence not only in the county but in the airport’s team.
“Other airlines may walk away from Cornwall but Flybe is here for the long-term.
“We realise the importance of maintaining affordable choices with a convenient multi frequency schedule on this key business route.
“Our new direct Newquay to London Gatwick service, the only one available to South West travellers and £10 cheaper than Air Southwest, demonstrates our commitment to the region and to supporting the local economy through the development of business and leisure travel options.â€Â
by Phil DaviesÂ
Phil Davies
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