Aurigny is to begin a new, direct, year round service to Leeds Bradford airport beginning on Friday 27th May 2016.
Throughout the summer, it will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, leaving Guernsey at midday and arriving in Leeds Bradford at 13.40. The return flight will depart Leeds Bradford at 14.10, arriving in Guernsey just before 16.00. From October to May, it will run on Mondays and Fridays, at the same times. This will allow customers from the Channel Islands to enjoy off season, weekend breaks away.
Malcolm Coupar, Aurigny’s Commercial Director says:
“Leeds Bradford is a welcome addition to the Aurigny network and it’ll offer a gateway to Leeds and Yorkshire to our local customers. There are some amazing places to visit in an area rich in history and landscape. For those who love the outdoors, the Yorkshire Dales and Bronte country are close to both Bradford and Leeds, which themselves are large, culturally diverse cities. In fact, the Leeds Bradford conurbation is the largest “city” area outside London and is perfect for quality shopping and a wide range of cultural activities. Also easily accessible from Leeds Bradford are Harrogate and York, the former famous as an upmarket spa town and latter for its Minster, Viking heritage and National Railway Museum. Sports fans can enjoy top level cricket courtesy of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and football fans can make the trip to see Leeds United play at Elland Road or Bradford City at Valley Parade. Cyclists can retrace the route of the opening stages of the 2014 Tour de France.”
He continues:
“We anticipate a lot of interest in what will be the eighth, year round destination served by Aurigny and our first new link since the introduction of London City in September 2014. Fares will start at £89 return and include Aurigny’s standard “frills” of a free 20kg hold luggage allowance and an extra 10kg as cabin baggage. We’ll also be serving complimentary soft drinks, or tea or coffee.”
Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport’s Aviation Development Director, commented:
“We are pleased to welcome Aurigny to Leeds Bradford, introducing direct services to Guernsey commencing May 2016. This new service will now allow fast and direct access to one of the airport’s most widely requested destinations and we expect significant leisure demand from across our catchment area. We believe this year round route will become a firm favourite with our passengers who enjoy visiting Guernsey and, in return, Leeds Bradford will be the perfect gateway for Guernsey residents taking short breaks and holidays in Yorkshire. We now look forward to developing a long lasting relationship with Aurigny and enhancing and widening our connectivity with the Channel Islands.”
Mike Hopkins, the Director of Marketing and Tourism at VisitGuernsey says:
“The launch of the new Leeds Bradford route provides an excellent opportunity for us to target and attract additional visitor numbers from the north and north east of England. We will be working closely with Aurigny and our tour operator partners to help maximise the potential from this new route.”