Boost for airport as new flights launched at Newquay Cornwall Airport

Business Editor

Newquay Cornwall Airport has announced that budget airline easyJet will launch two new domestic flights into the airport – with talks underway for links to European destinations.

The Luton-based carrier will operate six services a week to and from Liverpool and London Southend, starting in June 2013. Tickets are on sale now.

The new, direct routes will fly three times a week, with Southend operating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and Liverpool Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

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The flights will be the Westcountry's only air links with the centres and are expected to bring an additional 20,000 passengers a year through the airport – which is still recovering from a huge drop in passenger numbers after the closure of Air Southwest.

The sudden demise of the airline was a key factor in the closure of Plymouth City Airport, but it also had a huge impact on Cornwall Council-owned Newquay Cornwall Airport which lost 60% of its aircraft traffic, accounting for around 45% of its passengers.

Al Titterington, managing director of Newquay Cornwall Airport, said: "This is fantastic news for the airport and Cornwall to attract an airline of easyJet's stature.

The North West and London areas are key business and tourism markets and the addition of Liverpool and London Southend will compliment our route network.

"We have been in discussions with easyJet for a number of months and we are looking forward to working with them in developing services to and from Cornwall.

"Discussions are ongoing for new easyJet destinations to Europe, and in particular to the Mediterranean, being introduced in 2014."

Ali Gayward, easyJet commercial manager, added: "We're thrilled to add Newquay Cornwall Airport to our network for the first time and believe it will be a popular choice for business travellers and UK holidaymakers looking for an idyllic 'staycation'."

Councillor Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for economy and regeneration, said: "Today's announcement that easyJet will be operating from Newquay Cornwall Airport is great news for local residents, Cornish businesses and holidaymakers. These new routes will make accessibility to and from Cornwall easier than ever and open up new areas for travellers.

"This not only gives local businesses the opportunity to attract new visitors and drive additional revenue during the summer months but will also help people within the region to visit friends and family out of the county more conveniently."

Flybe and Skybus already operate year-round, scheduled services from the airport, which has also been focusing on generating income from the Aerohub Enterprise Zone to attract businesses to develop an aviation hub.