EasyJet launches Inverness flights
EasyJet was joined by Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP and Highlands MP Danny Alexander as well as representatives from Visit Scotland, Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Inverness Chamber of Commerce .
These services not only secure the long term future of air links between the Highlands and London following Flybe’s decision to exit the route but will also help to keep businesses in the Highlands connected to London.
EasyJet will now offer six flights per day between London and the Highlands, including a convenient early morning flight which means business travellers can be in London first thing in the morning and return the same day. Over 300,000 people are expected to fly on easyJet between Inverness and London airports over the coming year, with fares starting from £17.99 one way.
To mark the occasion easyJet created the ‘Highland aircraft’ tartan which is the first to be registered to an airline since records started in 2008 and one of the most prominent orange designs available. The easyJet tartan also features on a special edition Airbus A319 aircraft - named ‘Inverness’ - which will operate on easyJet routes across Europe to help promote the Highlands as a tourism destination.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s head of Scotland, said: “Today we are here to celebrate the long term future of flights between the Scottish Highlands and London. We know the addition of this early morning departure is crucial for businesses in the Highlands and will be very much in demand with almost 200,000 passengers expected to use this flight each year. The new schedule from Inverness to Gatwick will offer a day return for business travellers and easy, affordable fares to help boost tourism. It will be followed by four new Scottish routes this summerand in recognition of this we are proud to unveil a special edition tartan aircraft.”
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I’m delighted to see this enhanced service between Inverness and London get off the ground today, maintaining a link that’s important for business and tourism in the Highlands. The Scottish Government worked quickly with easyJet and HIAL to ensure the Gatwick link was not only retained, but also offered better times for business travellers. We are keen to support HIAL to continue to grow the number of routes available from Inverness Airport in the future.”
Highland MP Danny Alexander said: “By expanding their operations from the Highlands easyJet are helping to support our economy and ensuring that Inverness continues to be a thriving investment hub. A year ago, I met with stakeholders from SCDI, BIS, the Chamber of Commerce and the Highland Council to put forward the strongest case for easyJet take over services to Gatwick. Since then easyJet have been hugely positive and backed the Highlands all the way. I’m delighted to take part in this inaugural flight, and I must agree that the ginger tartan aircraft is a great innovation.”
The new Inverness to Gatwick flights will be followed by four new easyJet routes launching this spring - Herakilon and Bodrum from Edinburgh and Spilt and Kos from Glasgow. In total easyJet expects to carry over 5.3 million passengers on Scottish flights this year ensuring it remains Scotland’s largest airline.
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Inverness Airport operator HIAL, said: “EasyJet’s success over the past decade has been instrumental in supporting business and tourism growth across the Highlands. The airline has helped revolutionise air travel to and from the Highlands, ensuring that business and leisure travellers are well connected to the UK’s main airports, including Gatwick, and providing access to key markets for businesses across the north of Scotland.
“Inverness Airport's links to London are hugely important for business and tourism development and we are delighted that easyJet is to increase capacity on the popular Gatwick route. Gatwick is an increasingly important hub airport, serving a growing number of European and long haul destinations, and providing easy access to the heart of London. The airline has shown a real vote of confidence in the Highlands by expanding services between Inverness and London, and by commissioning a special Highland tartan to mark the occasion, easyJet will help raise the profile of the Highland capital across their network.”
Scott Armstrong, Visit Scotland regional director, said: “2014 really is an epic year for Scotland, with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, The Ryder Cup and the second Year of Homecoming, and we are looking forward to giving a warm Highland welcome to even more visitors via this day return service between Inverness and London Gatwick. Not only will this service help to maintain good connections for visitors to Inverness and the Highlands, but the flights are key to the continued expansion of the region’s business community.”
