The launch of direct flights between Belfast and Frankfurt has brought the north closer to the ‘heart of Western Europe’, a senior figure at German flag carrier Lufthansa has said.
Dr Frank Wagner was speaking as the new service commenced at Belfast City Airport on Monday.
Lufthansa will fly up to four flights per week from Belfast to Germany.
One of Europe’s biggest and busiest airports, Frankfurt offers the potential for business and leisure travellers to connect to a further 200 destinations.
Dr Wagner, who is the for Lufthansa Group’s general manager for sales in the UK, Ireland and Iceland, said the airline was “excited” to add Belfast to the airline’s global network.
“This new nonstop connection will bring Northern Ireland much closer to Frankfurt and to the heart of Western Europe,” he said.
“Connecting passengers will enjoy a convenient and full service one-stop connection beyond our hub to our vast network of 200 destinations in most parts of the world.”
Belfast Chamber’s chief executive, Simon Hamilton said the connection will be good for business.
“Frankfurt is a fantastic hub airport and a new four times a week service will provide Belfast businesses with access to new markets in Germany and across the world, as well as opportunities for the city to attract new inbound tourists,” he said.
“Connectivity is key to the economic success of any city and Belfast will undoubtedly benefit from this brilliant new route.”
Belfast City Airport’s commercial director Katy Best described the start of the new flights as “a significant milestone” for the airport.
“This exciting new partnership opens up opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike and there is no doubt that it will be an extremely popular route for many.
“At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves on delivering convenience and choice to our passengers and securing this new connection with Germany only strengthens that offering further.”
The Belfast to Frankfurt service will be operated by an Embraer E-190 aircraft offering both economy and business class services.
