Post by matt on Mar 24, 2004 4:50:16 GMT -5
London flight is 'biggest success'
Liverpool's new air link with London was last night hailed by operators VLM as the most successful new launch in its history.
The service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to London City Airport has carried more than 6,000 passengers in its first month.
Titus Johnson, regional manager UK for VLM, told the Daily Post Merseyside's business community had "voted with its feet" by turning it into a soaring success.
The flights began on February 23 and since then 6,169 passengers have used the five-times-a-day service between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and London City Airport.
The figure even surpasses the success of the Manchester to London service which began a year earlier and which has since been extended to nine flights a day.
The Manchester service was previously considered by VLM as its most successful launch.
VLM said an increase in the frequency of the Liverpool route was a real possibility if the success rate continued.
Mr Johnson said: "We are extremely pleased with the performance of this route so far. It has exceeded all our expectations. It is the most successful VLM launch ever and advance bookings for the next 30 days are already higher than all our other routes."
VLM first announced the service in December, following the Daily Post's Fight for a Flight campaign which sought to restore Merseyside's air link with the capital.
At the time of the announcement, the carrier said the campaign had been a major factor in its decision to begin the route.
Mr Johnson added: "This service has come about thanks to the Daily Post, the Mersey Partnership, John Lennon Airport and VLM.
"It is a prime example of how Merseyside's key organisations have come together to make this possible.
"The success so far is a clear indication that the Merseyside business community has voted with its feet in favour of this service."
Mr Johnson said widespread media coverage of the service and VLM's own high-profile marketing campaign had led to the success of the first few weeks.
The percentage of seats filled was well on target at 55% and punctuality had been "excellent", especially in the first week when all of the flights were on time.
John Lennon Airport's business services manager, Robin Tudor, said the airport was delighted with the news but urged travellers to the capital to keep using the service.
"It is early days, but we are very optimistic for the future of the route."
Liverpool's new air link with London was last night hailed by operators VLM as the most successful new launch in its history.
The service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to London City Airport has carried more than 6,000 passengers in its first month.
Titus Johnson, regional manager UK for VLM, told the Daily Post Merseyside's business community had "voted with its feet" by turning it into a soaring success.
The flights began on February 23 and since then 6,169 passengers have used the five-times-a-day service between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) and London City Airport.
The figure even surpasses the success of the Manchester to London service which began a year earlier and which has since been extended to nine flights a day.
The Manchester service was previously considered by VLM as its most successful launch.
VLM said an increase in the frequency of the Liverpool route was a real possibility if the success rate continued.
Mr Johnson said: "We are extremely pleased with the performance of this route so far. It has exceeded all our expectations. It is the most successful VLM launch ever and advance bookings for the next 30 days are already higher than all our other routes."
VLM first announced the service in December, following the Daily Post's Fight for a Flight campaign which sought to restore Merseyside's air link with the capital.
At the time of the announcement, the carrier said the campaign had been a major factor in its decision to begin the route.
Mr Johnson added: "This service has come about thanks to the Daily Post, the Mersey Partnership, John Lennon Airport and VLM.
"It is a prime example of how Merseyside's key organisations have come together to make this possible.
"The success so far is a clear indication that the Merseyside business community has voted with its feet in favour of this service."
Mr Johnson said widespread media coverage of the service and VLM's own high-profile marketing campaign had led to the success of the first few weeks.
The percentage of seats filled was well on target at 55% and punctuality had been "excellent", especially in the first week when all of the flights were on time.
John Lennon Airport's business services manager, Robin Tudor, said the airport was delighted with the news but urged travellers to the capital to keep using the service.
"It is early days, but we are very optimistic for the future of the route."
