Leeds Bradford launches long haul route
THE first step in the expansion of services from Leeds Bradford International Airport has taken place with the announcement of a new direct service to Pakistan.
The move, which the airport says is a first for the Yorkshire region, is seen as the first of several long haul services to destinations which could include the US and the Middle East.
Twice weekly non-stop flights to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, will begin on February 7 by Pakistan-based airline Shaheen Air International.
The first flight takes off on Thursday, February 7, and seats are now on sale at fares from £460 return, including taxes.
Shaheen Air was founded in December 1993 and was designated as the second national carrier of Pakistan last October. It operates 15 domestic and international routes.
The new long haul service will be operated by wide-bodied Airbus A310 aircraft with 191 economy and 19 business class seats.
John Parkin, the airport's chief executive, continued: “For the first time in LBIA's history, the people of Yorkshire will be able to fly direct to Pakistan from their local airport.
“Whether it's for business or pleasure, we are sure that this service will be extremely popular and we also look forward to welcoming passengers from Pakistan to Yorkshire.”
Kahlid M Sehbai, the chairman of Shaheen Air International, added: “It is a matter of immense pleasure and pride that Shaheen Air International shall be servicing the Pakistani community, living in Leeds/Bradford and its catchment areas, at their doorstep.
“I am sure that Pakistanis living in and around Yorkshire will strongly support the new service and thus encourage us to add more frequencies from Leeds Bradford.”
LBIA was bought by private equity firm Bridgepoint last May for £145.5m from the five West Yorkshire local authorities that owned it.
Bridgepoint – previously a shareholder at Birmingham airport – is a £70m investment programme to drive passenger numbers from the current figure of 2.9m a year to more than 5m over the next five years.
It brought in the former chief executive of Newcastle and Bristol airports, John Parkin, to spearhead the growth
Major redevelopment work is due to be carried out to expand the terminal which will include more space for shops and food outlets.
