London City Airport will get a connection with Copenhagen this winter on the back of strong demand from frequent users of the airport.
The route is being launched by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) on October 30, and will be the carrier's first service from the east London airport.
There will be two flights per day between London City and Copenhagen (one daily flight on Saturdays and Sundays), with the first flight departing London at 9.40am and arriving at 12.55pm, and the second taking off at 6pm and arriving at 9.15pm.
The return flight leaves Copenhagen at 8am, and arrives in London at 9.15am, and the second flight leaves at 4.20pm and arrives at 5.35pm.
The SAS flight will compete directly with a Copenhagen flight being launched from London City by BA franchise-partner, Sun Air of Denmark, which starts on October 31 with two flights per weekday.
Copenhagen was among a list of destinations mooted by London City managing director, Richard Gooding, as potential new routes for this year in an interview in the Business Traveller May edition. Other destinations that are expected to launch in coming months from London City areGlasgow, Madrid, Milan, Newcastle, Stockholm and Vienna.
SAS will operate the Copenhagen service with a 72-seater turbo-prop Q-400 aircraft in a three-class configuration. The middle class is Economy Flex, which offers passengers a fully-flexible ticket, dedicated seating area on the aircraft, complimentary meal and drink and increased frequent flyer points.
Return fares start at £501 in Economy Flex, £606 in Business and £106 in Economy. Business class passengers enjoy more space on-board, lounge access and improved catering.
SAS operates a ten-minute check-in policy at London City. The airline also supports the airport's claim that passengers travelling with hand luggage only can get from the plane to their taxi in five minutes on arrival.
Report by Ginny McGrath
