Airline takes on rail operator on London fares
AIRLINE Flybe and Leeds Bradford International Airport have gone head-to-head with rail operator National Express by cutting fares to London.
The new campaign is launched by Flybe as it starts its new service from Leeds Bradford Airport to Gatwick next week with prices starting at £24.99 one way, including taxes and charges.
The airline said its new daily service from LBIA to London Gatwick targets cost conscious business travellers who commute to the capital regularly and LBIA is to lobby the Transport Minister to facilitate a reduction in transport taxes for business commuters to help stimulate further growth in the Yorkshire economy, both nationally and
internationally.
Flybe and LBIA say that comparison fares and timings show that a return flight to London Gatwick from Leeds at 9am on July 7and returning at 6.55pm would cost £53.98 and each flight would take one hour and 10 minutes while a return journey on the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station would cost £28.80 and take 30 minutes each way whereas a return journey on the train between Leeds and Kings Cross would cost £132.98 and take two hours 30 minutes each way.
Mike Rutter, Flybe’s chief commercial officer, said: “Based on the above comparison passengers will save around 40% if they fly. We realise that a thriving regional economy needs good air links to London and our aim is to make the price as competitive as possible, offering maximum benefit to the local business community.”
Tony Hallwood, commercial director at LBIA, said: “Our ‘Get Business Moving’ campaign aims to assist companies in the region who commute regularly to London by offering cost effective and speedy access to the capital. We want to make it easier for businesses to develop a strong economic and financial infrastructure with the City to attract further inward investment.
“We’ll also be lobbying the Transport Minister to champion the rights of the business traveller by putting forward a strong argument to reduce taxes on business travel and make these essential journeys even cheaper,” he added.
Flybe passengers who have checked in online for Gatwick are able to arrive just 20 minutes before departure. LBIA will also be offering free Fast Track though airport security during June, July and August to make the commute even easier.
