AER ARANN CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY OF LONDON CITY-ISLE OF MAN SERVICE

Aer Arann today marked the first birthday of its London City-Isle of Man service. 

Since its launch the route has provided a crucial business and leisure link between the Isle of Man and the UK capital; in particular connecting the two financial service centres on the Island and in the City.

The airline made history a year ago by becoming the first airline to become certified to operate the ATR 72-500 series aircraft into London City Airport having worked with the CAA, ATR and London City airport to obtain the required steep approach certification for the modern, quiet and environmentally friendly turbo prop.

Commenting on the anniversary, Aer Arann Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Kelly said “We are delighted with the success of the London City-Isle of Man route in its first year. It is a quality service offering business and leisure customers a convenient, friendly and most importantly a value for money service”.

“In order to operate the route we had to adapt our business model and our success in doing this is reflected in the fact that we carried 60,000 passengers in our first year. We now have 30% of the total Isle of Man to London market” he added.

“We look forward to welcoming new and existing passengers on board our flights in the year ahead and to making this one of the busiest and most successful routes in our network,” he concluded.

Bernard Lavelle, London City’s director of sales said: ‘We are delighted at the success of Aer Arann during the first year of their service from the Isle of Man. The service provides a vital link for the financial community on the Island and in London and this need has been reflected in their passenger numbers to date. We wish them continued success in 2010.’

The London City-Isle of Man route has offered excellent access opportunities for the business community and also very convenient travel times for leisure travellers. Aer Arann regards it as an example of the airline’s commitment to regional air travel and its focus on building business by offering critical links and access to major centres from regional airports.