Provincial London link concerns

Scottish Passengers Agents Association (SPAA) President Kevin Thom has expressed the SPAA’s “real concern” regarding the recently-announced sale by Flybe of its 25 Gatwick take-off and landing slots to easyJet.  As reported by BTN (see BTN 27 May) in all seven UK regional points could be affected.  easyJet says it is looking at its 2014 programme.

The President commented: “Flybe is an important and valued partner of the SPAA and our Members here in Scotland, and the airline provides many point-to-point and Anglo-Scottish connecting services to our business and leisure travellers.  The possibility of the loss of our vital Inverness – Gatwick service is serious enough, but the implications for travellers connecting worldwide from the Scottish Highlands & Islands are just as serious – if not more so”.  

easyJet does have a daily service from Luton to Inverness which, like Gatwick, is not subject to APD southbound.  Other regional points, which do pay the tax are asking their MPs to again challenge the Government regarding the charges.  Promoters of Northolt, as a London airport for the regions, say that this latest development could persuade ‘Davies’ to recommend its use for scheduled traffic.  In Cornwall the loss of the London service from Newquay is a cause of alarm, mitigated by the new easyJet, summer only flights from Southend. www.easyjet.com

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