New airline deal opens up the Far East to West Midlands businesses

CONNECTIONS to the Far East from Birmingham Airport have improved after the hub’s largest carrier announced a new codesharing agreement.

Flybe has reached an agreement with Star Alliance member Singapore Airlines to become its 11th codeshare partner. This means that starting this winter, regional passengers using Flybe services from five regional airports can connect through to over 100 Singapore Airlines’ long haul destinations throughout SE Asia, Australasia and the United States.

From Birmingham, fliers would have to connect with services via Paris Charles de Gaulle or Dusseldorf.

It is the first time such routes have been made an option for people travelling from Birmingham.

The move is expected to benefits businesses in the region looking to develop new trade links with the Far East and elsewhere.

As European markets get tougher, firms may look at options elsewhere to secure growth.

Such a move is being encouraged by the government though organisations such as the Midlands Engine.

Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our new codeshare agreement with Singapore Airlines is another exciting development for Flybe. It further strengthens our ability to connect our regional customers to long-haul destinations with our ‘One Stop to the World’ proposition and also serves to boost local economies by encouraging inbound business and leisure travel.”

Sheldon Hee, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager UK & Ireland, said: “Singapore Airlines’ new partnership with Flybe greatly increases our reach throughout the UK by improving opportunities for its regional customers to access Singapore Airlines services from their local airport.”