Inverness Airport secures direct link to Germany

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) welcomed the successful outcome of its route development discussions with the airline which is expected to bring a major boost to inbound tourism for the Highlands and Inner Moray Firth.

The Dusseldorf service will operate on Saturdays from 20-Jun-09 until 12-Sep-09 one rotation per week, with Canadair Regional Jet 700 aircraft operated by Lufthansa Cityline with a 1hr 55min flight time.

The development of the link has involved HIAL and support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Visit Scotland and the tourism and hospitality sector in the Highlands.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL said: “Lufthansa’s direct link into Germany is a fantastic step forward for the airport and the region. For the first time we have the opportunity to bring visitors from the important German market straight into the Highlands to sample the outstanding tourism product we offer.

“Golf, whisky, outdoor pursuits and heritage are all major attractions for our German visitors and the region now has a great opportunity to capitalise on this new link. It’s a chance that I hope everyone will put their full effort behind because if it works well in 2009 we hope to expand the operation with Lufthansa in subsequent years.

Mr Lyon said, “The route will also provide connectivity for our local market into mainland Europe with onward connections via Düsseldorf that will benefit business and leisure travellers so it is a win win situation achieved through effective collaboration.”


 
(c)  Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 29-Oct-08