NEW TEES VALLEY – SOUTHAMPTON LINK OFFERS LONDON OPTION

Tees Valley passengers who used the former Heathrow service for south west London and Surrey will be able to travel on Eastern Airways’ new Southampton flights from Durham Tees Valley Airport to reach their destination.

The new Southampton service from Durham Tees Valley is being launched by one of the UK’s most punctual scheduled airlines* on Monday 2 November 2009 with two flights each weekday in both directions.

A convenient rail station at Southampton Airport means passengers are just a short journey from the M3 corridor with easy access to Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Woking and south west London.

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

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: “Our new service not only serves Hampshire and the south coast region, but also provides an alternative option for Tees Valley business travellers visiting the M3 corridor and south west London. Our schedule allows commuters to maximise their day in the south before returning that evening.”

Richard Whitehouse, Durham Tees Valley Airport’s aviation development manager, said: “We’ve already received a very positive response to the announcement of the new service. The South East is obviously one of the most important markets for companies from our region and it means that they can now get full value in term of time and money, arriving in time to do a full day’s work and also avoiding an overnight stay.”

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 closes 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.