FLYBE DELIVERS A WHITE CHRISTMAS FROM CARDIFF

Flybe, Europe’s largest independent regional airline, has announced a further expansion of its winter programme out of Cardiff Airport with four brand new ski routes to Chambery, Geneva, Grenoble and Lyon reflecting its commitment to expanding further its operations to and from the Welsh capital. Booking is available now at www.flybe.com effective for travel between December 21st and April 2014, with one way fares from £34.99 including taxes and charges.

Flybe’s Director of Marketing, Simon Lilley comments: “Our four new direct ski routes from Cardiff offer a choice of affordable and particularly attractive ski destinations direct from Wales, saving people valuable time, money and especially the hassle of having to trek to England before they even start their journey.

“We see these new routes as a natural addition to our network out of Cardiff airport and are confident that these attractive winter destinations can only be positive news for Wales.”

Jon Horne, Chief Executive at Cardiff Airport added: “I am delighted Flybe has chosen to launch these four superb ski destinations from Cardiff this winter providing excellent choice for the people of South Wales. It also heralds the return of ski destinations to Cardiff Airport after an absence of three years, ensuring that those in search of the ‘slopes’ can do so from their doorstep once again.

“We have been working closely with Flybe as part of our strategy to bring back a greater choice of flights and destinations to Cardiff Airport and we look forward to exploring further opportunities in this regard.”

Economy and Transport Minister, Edwina Hart said: “This is very good news for Cardiff Airport and it is encouraging to see the number of new routes added recently. Increasing the number of destinations is vital to the future development and growth of the airport. Together with recent improvements to the terminal and public transport links, Cardiff Airport now offers a much improved service to passengers.”

In the six and a half years since Flybe began operations out of Cardiff, it has continued to grow its route network from the airport and now offers a total choice of 90-plus flights a week on nine routes. As well as the four new ski routes announced today Flybe also operates services to Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Jersey.

Concludes Mr Lilley: “Flybe will continue to explore all possibilities for expanding our services at Cardiff and we look forward to welcoming our first ’Welsh snowbirds’ on board in December whether they want to hit the slopes or just simply enjoy a quiet winter getaway.”