FLYBE will operate a new route to London Southend airport from next year, it has announced.
The regional airline, which will rebrand as Virgin Connect, has released its 2020 summer schedule, featuring 14 routes.
It includes 18 flights per week between Belfast City and Southend. The carrier, now owned by Connect Airways, said it will operate up to 290 flights a week from Belfast City Airport from next year.
The airline is to extend the use of an Embraer 190 aircraft to fly on its London City Airport route during peak times next summer. The 98-seater plane is being added to Flybe’s winter schedule in Belfast from the start of December.
Flybe was bought by a consortium including Virgin Atlantic and the Stobart Group in January.
Katy Best, commercial director at Belfast City Airport said: “This three times daily service to London Southend will greatly enhance our London offering benefitting both inbound and outbound passengers.
“Commencing on 1st June 2020, it will complement our very popular London City service which now operates on E190 jet aircraft at peak times further enhancing the travel experience for commuters."
