Business leaders welcome new Durham Tees Valley route

Eastern Airways’ new service from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Southampton, which launched today Monday (2 November 2009), has been welcomed by business leaders in the region.

The new twice daily weekday service is primarily aimed at business travellers and timings enable day return trips to the South of England.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), was quick to get behind the new route and said: “The connectivity of the region remains a crucial factor in the recovery of our economy. North East businesses must have access to strong and regular links with other regions in the UK and further afield if they are to expand their markets and maximise trading opportunities.

“The new service to Southampton offers North East businesses a valuable new route to the south and we welcome it wholeheartedly.”

A number of industries in the Tees Valley have links in Hampshire and the surrounding south coast region, including chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, manufacturing, marine and offshore sectors.

The Serco International Fire Training Centre located adjacent to Durham Tees Valley Airport provides world class training services to the civil aviation, industrial, offshore and petrochemical industries.

Steve Metcalf, general manager, International Fire Training Centre (IFTC), said: “The business commands an enviable global reputation with the IFTC brand becoming synonymous with the delivery of quality fire training solutions attracting delegates from all over the world. This new link with the South West of England enhances the transport infrastructure currently in place and further enhances business opportunities in the region. We are also delighted that this new additional route will provide a more efficient and cost effective method of travel between our support offices located in Hook, Hampshire, and offer our customers greater flexibility by providing a valuable addition to their travel options.”

Weekday flights will depart from Durham Tees Valley at 6.45am and 4.55pm, landing in Southampton at 8.40am and 6.50pm. Services leave Southampton at 9.10am and 7.20pm, arriving in Durham Tees Valley at 10.55am and 9.05pm.

Flights to Southampton also offer an alternative link for passengers heading to the south of London. A convenient rail station at the airport is on the London Waterloo line, while other train services serve towns and cities on the M3 corridor heading to the South West of London.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: “Reliable transport links support trade and commerce and help businesses to prosper. Our flights offer Tees Valley commuters a day return option to Southampton and the South of England, saving valuable time away from the office.

“Our service also provides former Heathrow bound travellers with an alternative routeing to reach the M3 corridor and the South of London as Southampton airport has its own convenient rail link providing connections.”

Richard Whitehouse, group aviation development manager for Peel Airports, said: “Since the announcement of the service we have been very encouraged by the interest shown by both the local business community and members of the public.
“It’s clear that there is a growing recognition that Southampton really is well placed for anyone wanting to travel to destinations in the South East and London area. The Hampshire airport has a rail station just 50 metres from the terminal with three trains an hour to London Waterloo, as well as easy access to the motorway network.”

Eastern Airways is consistently one of the UK’s most punctual airlines*. Fares from Durham Tees Valley to Southampton start from £69† one way, including taxes and charges.

Passengers flying with Eastern Airways benefit from their “no compromise” service with no cost for baggage, choice of seat or onboard drinks and snacks. Check-in is just 30 minutes before the departure time and passengers have use of the dedicated fast track security channel in Southampton to avoid any queues.

Humberside based Eastern Airways has been flying from Durham Tees Valley for over nine years and currently offers high frequency flights to Aberdeen. Locally based pilots, cabin crew and engineers support Eastern Airways’ Durham Tees Valley operation.