Dublin-based carrier Aer Arann plans to launch a new route between London City airport (LCY) and the Isle of Man (IOM) from January 19, with a 72-seat new-generation ATR72-500 aircraft.
The first weekday Aer Arann flight from LCY will depart at 1015 (arriving into IOM at 1140), followed by flights at 1545 (arriving at 1710) and 1945 (arriving at 2105). At weekends there will be a reduced service: the 1015 flight will operate on Saturdays, and the 1545 and 2105 flights will run on Sundays.
Aer Arann flights will depart from IOM at 0825, 1355 and 1755 (arriving into London City at 0950, 1520 and 1920 respectively). On Saturdays only the 0825 flight will operate, while on Sundays the 1355 and 1755 flights will run.
Aer Arann CEO designate Paul Schütz said: “This new route is an example of the focus that Aer Arann is placing on building a strong business by developing a regional route structure that provides critical links and access to major centres.”
The Isle of Man airport lost some daily services to LCY in May (there is currently one flight a day operated by VLM) with the collapse of EuroManx, and has since been looking for a replacement.
According to Isle of Man airport director Ann Reynolds the route is popular with business travellers. “Isle of Man business and commerce have suffered substantially without the frequent service to London City and, despite the economic situation, there is still heavy demand. The Isle of Man to London City route has performed consistently well since it commenced in 2000, carrying an average of 5,500 passengers per month flying between the two airports in 2007.”
Isle of Man Minister of Transport David Anderson also commented on the new route as a welcome move. “We are in no doubt whatsoever about the value of a frequent link with London City with good timings to meet the Island’s business needs. This is a real boost to the Island’s business travel and again helps to make the Isle of Man the very attractive offshore commercial centre that it is.”
Visit aerarann.com, iom-airport.com.
Report by Sara Turner
