British Airways to suspend Newquay Cornwall flights
04-Aug-2008 |
Airline Code [BAW]
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Tags :UK, British Airways
British Airways announced that it will withdraw scheduled operations from four London Gatwick short-haul routes, including its daily flights to Newquay Cornwall Airport, and that plans to start two new services from Gatwick have also been scrapped.
The decision has been taken in light of its first quarter financial results and the cancellations are part of a wider programme to reduce costs across British Airways’ network. British Airways’ Chief Executive Willie Walsh said: “The combination of unprecedented oil prices, economic slowdown and weaker consumer confidence has led to substantially lower first quarter profits.”
British Airways recommenced flights to Newquay in Mar-07, operating midday services with Boeing 737 aircraft, timed to complement the higher frequency services of Air Southwest, which also serves London Gatwick-Newquay. The last British Airways’ flight to Newquay will be 25-Oct-08.
Air Southwest will continue to operate four daily flights on the route throughout the year. Ryanair meanwhile is continuing with its flights from London Stansted.
Chris Cain, Project Director at Newquay Cornwall Airport said, “While we are naturally disappointed to see British Airways suspend their services having had close dialogue with them throughout, we understand the circumstances,” “Since British Airways came on the route, the market for air travel to and from London grew significantly – increasing by 20% last year – confirming our belief that there is scope for additional capacity on the Newquay - London route.”
He noted, “However, it is a tough environment for all airlines in the current economic climate with oil prices at an all time high. Carriers around the world have been forced to cut capacity and routes and Newquay is not immune from these global conditions, but we know there is a strong, sustainable market for air services to London. We are confident that we will see services developing further as economic conditions improve.”
(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 04-Aug-08
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British Airways to suspend Newquay Cornwall flights 
