NQY-LGW threat lifted?

It is reported that a deal has been struck to see Flybe keep its Newquay-Gatwick route going until October 2014 at least. 

The invaluable link between Cornwall and the capital was due to come to an end in March but this latest move could give Cornwall Council time to arrange a public subsidy that would guarantee the route longer-term.

In the meantime Flybe has secured new slots at Gatwick that will allow it to provide a twice daily service (morning and evening) to Newquay.
 
The Department for Transport recently confirmed to Cornwall Council that the route was technically eligible for subsidy as it is the only air link between the south-west and London.  As such the government could support an operator (such as Flybe) to the tune of several million pounds a years to run the service for a four-year period.

Several routes in Scotland and Wales are already subsidised and the news that Cornwall could be treated similarly has been welcomed by business leaders in the Duchy.

The infrastructure is already in place at Newquay Cornwall Airport (the former RAF St Mawgan); all that is needed is a carrier willing to take on the route as a long-term prospect.  www.flybe.com

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