Flybe, Europe’s largest independent regional airline, has elebrated the launch of their new year round services from Ireland West Airport to both Birmingham and Edinburgh. Both new services will provide a welcome boost of 70,000 new seats to and from the West of Ireland in 2016.
Flybe will operate six weekly flights to both Birmingham and Edinburgh from Ireland West Airport and are currently on sale for both the summer and winter seasons on www.flybe.com. This expansion of Flybe services is great news for the West and North West of Ireland as represents the biggest seat capacity announcement for the West and North West in 2016, which will come as welcome news for leisure, business and tourism interests in the region.
Edinburgh and Birmingham have long been popular destinations for passengers in this region and are expected to generate strong inbound tourism numbers given the airports location as the central gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way.
In a further boost the airline is also increasing flights to and from its Manchester hub, adding an additional 8,000 seats this summer, with a choice of up to six weekly flights from which airport passengers can connect seamlessly to further Flybe destinations or to the many others offered through Manchester with its interline partners.
Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer said: “Flybe is absolutely delighted to be operating flights to Ireland West Airport from both Birmingham and Edinburgh from the start of our 2016 Summer programme. We are committed to offering customers in the West of Ireland ‘the fastest way from A to Flybe’ and we just love the fact that we are improving travel options for customers travelling to and from the West and North West of Ireland. We look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board.”
Welcoming today’s launch of the new Flybe services, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “The launch of the new Flybe flights from Edinburgh and Birmingham, and the expansion of services from Manchester, is more good news for tourism to the West & North West of Ireland in 2016 – expanding travel options for British holidaymakers wishing to visit this part of Ireland. We look forward to working closely with Flybe and Ireland West Airport to maximise the promotion of the new services. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated – they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism.”
Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Joe Gilmore said, “We are delighted to welcome the launch of these two new services to key UK markets in Birmingham and Edinburgh with Flybe. This further cements the airports position as the premier UK gateway for the West of Ireland as we now service nine different access points, the biggest selection of UK services from the West and North West of Ireland. Todays launch highlights Flybe’s commitment to serving the people of the West & North West of Ireland, providing vital connectivity to key markets all year round”.
Flights from Ireland West Airport to Birmingham and Edinburgh are on sale on www.flybe.com Flights will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For further airport information log ontowww.irelandwestairport.com.
Pictured at the commencement of new year round services to Birmingham and Edinburgh were Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport and pilots and crew from Flybe
