The new services will be operated by highly regarded European regional airline Darwin Airline, in code-share partnership with SkyTeam member Alitalia. Flights to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Geneva will enable travellers from Cambridge and the East England region to reach hundreds of destinations worldwide with connections to the global networks of SkyTeam partners Alitalia and Air France-KLM.
Commencing from 2 September 2013, Darwin Airline will be offering a total of 50 flights a week to and from Cambridge. This will include a planned timetable of 24 weekly flights to and from Amsterdam; 12 weekly flights to and from Paris CDG (East Anglia’s only air service to the French capital); eight weekly flights to and from Milan Malpensa, and six weekly services to and from Darwin Airline’s main hub at Geneva. All routes will be operated by the airline’s advanced, fast and quiet 50-seat SAAB 2000 regional aircraft and are now available to book at www.darwinairline.com.
Commenting for Marshall, owners of the Airport, Steve Jones, managing director of Aviation Services, said, “The opening of this new and exciting base by Darwin Airline is a strategic step in our development of Cambridge as a regional international airport. This puts our city firmly on the international transport map, making it easier for people from around the world to get here. As an established regional carrier in Europe, we feel that Darwin Airline is the perfect partner for Cambridge Airport going forward, offering long term expertise, award-winning service and global connectivity.”
Maurizio Merlo, CEO at Darwin Airline, added, “As we expand within Europe, the UK is a key market for us to further establish and we are delighted to open our new base in the heart of East England. Cambridge is at the forefront of several business sectors and spearheading the UK’s economic growth – it is thriving and vibrant, one of the UK’s most valuable and affluent markets. The team here at Cambridge Airport and many of the city’s stakeholders have inspired us to invest and connect the region to Europe and beyond.”
Responding to the announcement by Darwin Airline, Alex Plant, Executive Director: Economy, Transport and Environment at Cambridgeshire County Council commented, “Cambridgeshire already competes on the world stage and is home to a wealth of innovative companies, cutting-edge research and the best university in the world. The new services from Cambridge Airport will help to build our already strong international brand. Direct connections to key business centres and international hub airports like Amsterdam Schipol and Paris Charles De Gaulle will help our businesses to continue to grow and will complement the investments we are already making to support growth in the local and national economy. It is also welcome news that aircraft will not be flying at night and that the airport has plans in place to ensure there is minimal impact on local residents”
Darwin Airline customers will enjoy exceptional personal service and 23kgs of complimentary hold baggage. Flights booked via the Alitalia code (AZ) will also be part of the Flying Blue reward scheme that runs across Sky Team members including Alitalia, Air France and KLM. Additionally, customers will travel through Cambridge Airport’s newly refurbished terminal, featuring new facilities, including a business lounge, Costa Coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi and lounge-style ambience.
Ideally located only three miles from the city centre, Cambridge Airport offers on-airport car parking, bus and ground transport from the city centre and local towns, close to all major road networks meaning major regional centres including Peterborough and Ipswich are reached within an hour.
Flights can be booked online at www.darwinairline.com and through travel agent networks. Lead-in fares to all destinations start from £119 per person each way and £159 return.
For more information, visit www.cambridgeairport.com
Cambridge Airport
Cambridge Airport is part of the Marshall Group of Companies, a privately owned family business, employing over 4,000 people with a turnover exceeding £1B, managed by the Marshall family. The business was founded in Cambridge in 1909, and entered aviation in 1929.
Although Cambridge Airport is an important gateway for the East of England, with a strong focus on Cambridge and its business, academic and industrial sectors, the airport is also ideally positioned for easy access to London with just under an hour’s drive to the Canary Wharf and East London.
The airport is currently experiencing growth in the Passenger airline and Executive Jet sectors and recent new airline and tour operator services including the UK, the Channel Islands and destinations within Europe, the airport is undergoing an upgrade in passenger facilities.
With a 1965m/6447ft runway accepting aircraft up to Boeing 757 or Airbus 320 and all regional jet types, it is suitable for short to medium haul passenger airline services, with 24/7 capability. It boasts CAA Category 7 Fire & Air Traffic Control status and has full navigational aids and communications, which include radar approach coverage up to 30nm and GPS approaches, which complement an ILS system
*******
Media contacts:
Katie Bentley-Chan, Sara Whines or Frances Amissah at Four bgb
Email: katie.bentley-chan@fourbgb.com / sara.whines@fourbgb.com / frances.amissah@fourcommunications.com
Tel: 0870 626 9000