Newquay Cornwall Airport welcomes new Birmingham flights with bmibaby

Thursday 21st May, 2009

Newquay Cornwall Airport welcomes the launch of bmibaby’s new four times weekly flights from Birmingham International Airport. The new route will substantially reduce travelling time from the heart of the UK to the West Country, with convenient flight times providing Midland’s residents with the perfect short break opportunity.

Karen Medweth, Newquay Cornwall Airport’s Head of Commercial Development, said: “We are extremely happy to extend our route network with flights from Birmingham, which will open up a strong new link from Cornwall’s largest market in the heart of the country. We especially anticipate the flights being popular with leisure travellers looking to enjoy Newquay, which is regarded as the surf capital of the UK. Cornwall has developed its own unique culture and offers award winning beaches, fashionable bars and superb cuisine, as well as first class local attractions including the Eden Project, The Tate at St. Ives and The National Maritime Museum.

“We are very aware of the value placed on time in the short-break market and with this in mind, the Friday and Sunday departure times have been deliberately scheduled to maximise the potential for weekend visitors to Cornwall. The flight time of just over one hour also compares extremely favourably with an estimated drive time of 4hrs 30 minutes, representing even more time-saving benefits.”

Lead in fares on the route start from just £18.99 one way including taxes and charges, again comparing very favourably with an estimated £45 each way to drive, based on an average 40mpg. “Not only will weekend visitors be able to enjoy more time in Cornwall and less time stuck in traffic, but they’ll also benefit from the low fares available too,” said Medweth.

Julian Carr, Commercial Director, bmibaby, said: “We are pleased to launch this new route between Birmingham and Newquay. bmibaby is currently the only low cost carrier to offer this service, and it will mean that a short break in Cornwall is much more accessible than ever before.

“For Newquay the route will open up opportunities to develop commercial links with the Midlands, as well as offering an alternative city break.

“With fares starting from just £18.99 one way including taxes and charges and the flight lasting just over an hour, this service will reduce the cost and time of reaching Newquay from the Midlands.”

Birmingham to Newquay Timetables are available at www.bmibaby.com

Editor’s notes:

Cornwall Airport Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cornwall County Council, which assumed operational management of Newquay Cornwall Airport on 1 April 07, gained its CAA license on 19 December 2008 after completing its transition project to convert the airfield from military to civilian operations.

In 2008, Newquay Cornwall Airport was the fastest growing regional airport in the UK and 8th fastest growing airport in Europe. This summer, the Airport will offer 19 destinations throughout the UK, Ireland and the EU operated by eight airlines:

Air Southwest: Bristol, Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, London Gatwick, London City Airport, Manchester, Newcastle

Skybus: Isles of Scilly, St. Brieuc (Brittany)

Flybe: Edinburgh, *new* London Gatwick, Isle of Man

Ryanair: Alicante, London Stansted

Jet2.com: *new* Belfast International, *new* Leeds/Bradford

Lufthansa: Dusseldorf

bmibaby: *new* Birmingham, Manchester

Falcon Travel: Zurich (Charter)