Regional airline Eastern Airways has swooped to reinstate another lost Flybe connection.
The former franchise partner will reintroduce the year-round service between Manchester Airport and Newquay as it widens its independent network.
It will take off on Friday, October 23 - timed for the half term holidays - with an initial four-weekly offering through winter to aid regional economy recovery, reverting to “at least daily†during the summer.
It adds to existing Cornish links from Leeds-Bradford and Teesside, and represents a second Manchester flight for the Humberside-based team.
Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ general manager for commercial and operations, said: “Our ethos is to connect people and places, especially from regional airports throughout the º£½ÇÊÓƵ which includes services to primary worldwide connecting hubs.
“This third Newquay service does exactly that, linking the South West and especially Cornwall with Manchester, one of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s major hub airports.
“We have carefully added former Flybe routes that we know are sustainable and where local support is positive and strong. The addition of Manchester complements our Leeds-Bradford and Teesside services and ensures the north of England as a whole is now served extensively by Eastern Airways from Newquay.
“The frequency and capacity will increase as demand dictates and especially as travel volumes return through into summer next year.â€
It comes just over a week after the airline made its debut at Heathrow Airport, connecting Teesside with a scheduled service - as the first º£½ÇÊÓƵ regional airline to secure a slot at Britain’s aviation centre.
Pete Downes, managing director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “A third new route from Manchester is fantastic news. It demonstrates a real vote of confidence in our region and of the potential for domestic air travel to continue its recovery.â€
Flights will take just over an hour, saving a road or rail journey of almost seven hours. Tickets are on-sale now, with fares from £79.99.
Julian Carr, aviation director at Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Eastern Airways commence a service to Newquay, providing vital connectivity between the two regions and beyond."
