www.Parctel.com: City and business leaders in the capital today hailed Edinburgh Airport’s growing international route network, as airport operator BAA unveiled its final 2007 schedule, which includes 13 new direct services.
BAA Edinburgh’s 2007 schedule features new destinations in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Switzerland, taking the total number of destinations to more than 80 served by more than 40 airlines.
Among the new routes from Edinburgh for 2007 are five new services operated by easyJet to Madrid, Munich, Milan, Dortmund and Palma. Flyglobespan will start a new transatlantic schedule service to Toronto’s Hamilton Airport in May. BMI’s new service to Zurich starts at the end of March and Norwegian Air Shuttle’s service to Oslo begins in April.
Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, Richard Jeffrey, said: “We listen to what our passengers tell us and we know there is a real desire for people to be able to fly direct from their local airport. That is why I am proud that, with an extra 1.3 million seats on offer this summer, our passengers will have more choice and more flexibility than ever before in flying direct from Edinburgh.
“Our international route network sits at the heart of our country’s economy by strengthening business links and attracting visitors from across the world. For Edinburgh, a city massively dependent on tourism and financial services, the international connectivity provided by the airport keeps the city competitive on the world stage.
“Our focus is to provide an airport that continues to meet the demands of an ever increasing number of passengers and, as always, safety, security and service are our key priorities. Our multi-million pounds investment in security will keep queues and waiting times as low as possible. We will see new food outlets opening soon, giving more choice than ever before. We are also investing in additional aircraft stands to help accommodate extra planes. This is an exciting time at Edinburgh Airport and all of us are looking forward to meeting the challenge that will come with record numbers of passengers.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Councillor Ewan Aitken commented: "Airports are increasingly catalysts for economic growth. A strong, successful nation requires its capital city to act as its gateway for business, tourism and investment. It is no coincidence that Edinburgh's transformation into a world-class city of growing international significance has coincided with the rapid expansion of international routes directly serviced from Edinburgh Airport. The 13 new services that BAA Edinburgh has announced will come on stream during 2007 will further propel Edinburgh's reputation as a place to do business."
"I am also pleased that, in a world increasingly concerned with climate change, BAA Edinburgh is proactively introducing measures to protect the environment, to reduce carbon emissions and to ensure that our economy is not grown at the expense of our climate."
Scottish Council for Development and Industry Chief Executive Alan Wilson added: "Connectivity is crucial to the success of the Scottish economy. The major expansion in direct services from Edinburgh to other international financial and industrial centres will be of great benefit to many businesses.
"Whenever you visit Edinburgh Airport, you cannot fail to be impressed by the significant investment in new, modern facilities. These are not only helping to attract aircraft operators, they are providing employment opportunities in the regional economy and a high quality gateway to Scotland for tourists and global industries."
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