Swedish group aims to give Blackpool wings

EFFORTS to reconnect Lancashire with London and the South East are gathering pace.

Swedish company Wings of Europe is visiting the region with a plan to get a new flight from Blackpool to Stansted off the ground.

Blackpool lost its connection in 2007 when Ryanair axed its Stansted service.

Wings of Europe is a specialist in developing regional routes by support  from local communities and persuading investors to invest with it in the service. It has been particularly adept at helping develop connections with Stockholms’ Bromma Airport.

Wings, which has also developed services in Denmark says it has a tried and tested formula, which has worked eight times before.

The focus of the visit by Wings of Europe’s managing director, Daniel Langsten will be to discuss how the local business community in Lancashire can invest in and develop its own low fare airline to restore a direct link to London.

Mr Langsten said:  “Lancashire has many similarities with the regions where we have previously assisted in the establishment of local airlines.

“It is time-consuming and expensive to get to the Capital. However, there is significant tourism demand and a strong local business community which needs fast, efficient and inexpensive connections to London.

“The London route is essential to ensure a strong development of local business and a greater quality of life for the residents of the region. I will be meeting entrepreneurs as potential investors and also speaking to businesses to ensure that the service will be used.”

He said around £1m was needed to launch the new airline which will need to sell at least 10,000 seats a year to be viable. Wings of Europe’s work in Lancashire is its first foray into the UK.

After the successful creation of the first local airline on the Swedish island of Gotland in 2001 a number of regions got in touch with the entrepreneurs behind the initiative and one airline followed the other.

There are now eight companies in the group, all showing strong growth.

Sue Kendrick, communications manager of Blackpool International Airport, said: “Blackpool International welcomes any initiatives that can enhance the airport’s offer in terms of connectivity with London and potential new routes.

“This is an innovative proposition for Lancashire and has a proven track record of success in other European regions in stimulating both business and leisure interests.”