CityJet and VLM Airlines announce plans for 2009

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Starting 05-Jan-09, all flights from Amsterdam to London City Airport -previously operated by VLM Airlines and KLM Cityhopper - will be operated by CityJet.

CityJet will operate its flights using jet aircraft of the AVRO RJ-85 type, both business class and economy class will be offered onboard.  CityJet will provide eight return flights from Monday through Friday, one on Saturdays and four on Sundays. The flights from Amsterdam to London City will be operated as a VLM and KLM code share and will continue to be sold through the VLM and KLM website and sales channels.

Rotterdam Airport

Starting 05-Jan-09, VLM Airlines, will offer 8 return flights from Rotterdam to London City. One more aircraft will be stationed at Rotterdam Airport for charter flights.

VLM Airlines, replacing CityJet, will also operate two flights daily between Eindhoven Airport and London starting 12-Jan-09. 
Synergies

VLM Airlines is also examining becoming a member of Flying Blue, the frequent flyer programme of Air France – KLM. The transition from the VLM Encore programme to the Flying Blue program will be defined in the coming months.

Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines comments: “we are very pleased to see that the take-over of our company has a positive effect for our customers.  The AVRO RJ-85 aircraft on the Amsterdam - London City route will offer superior comfort to our passengers, whilst the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme will offer all our customers a loyalty program with excellent reward possibilities.”

Geoffrey O’Byrne-White, CEO of CityJet said: “This is a very important development for us. The Amsterdam – London City route is already firmly established with a schedule and service much appreciated by a discerning clientele. We look forward to continuing to meet the demands of this market, even in such a challenging environment.”


(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 12-Dec-08