Flybe, the UK-based regional airline, has announced a new ‘one hour’ service between the Exeter and Norwich airports – the first route to be operated under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund.
The new route is part of the airline’s 2016 Summer schedule, with a choice of six flights a week, operating daily excluding on Saturdays. The new route will be effective for travel from March 24 to October 28, 2016. Seats are on sale now at www.flybe.com with one way fares from £17.49 including taxes and charges, it said.
Commenting on the new service, UK Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: ‘It is fantastic to see Flybe launch this new direct air service between Norwich and Exeter, offering significant journey time savings for passengers when it begins operations in time for Easter. Our smaller airports are vital engines for local economies, connecting the UK and opening up opportunities. That is why the Government is backing new regional air routes to drive investment and boost growth across the country.’
Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer added: ‘We are delighted to be the first airline to announce details of one of the many routes to be funded under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. Our new service between Exeter and Norwich is a great example of how Flybe connects the UK regions, supporting local communities and businesses.
‘Our new direct cross-country route will take just 70 minutes, saving customers precious time by offering them the favourable option of not having to endure between five and seven long hours in a car or train.’
With the new service, Flybe’s 2016 Summer schedule from Exeter now includes a total of 18 routes offering a choice of up to 122 flights a week; and from Norwich, four routes offering up to 12 flights a week.
Separately, Flybe said that its day- return flights to Rotterdam from Manchester have been well received by both business and leisure passengers, benefitting from the low introductory fares.
Offering up to two flights a day during the week, the new Manchester-Rotterdam route will start operation on February 8, 2016. A limited number of one way fares are available at £19.99 for travel during the first week of operation, the airline said.
