Council welcomes easyJet commitment to Inverness – Gatwick service

Compelling arguments presented by The Highland Council and its partners played a key role in easyJet’s decision to retain and expand the Inverness – Gatwick air service. This was revealed by Council Leader Drew Hendry at today’s full council meeting in Inverness.

The Council had joined other Highland public agencies and business groups in lobbying easyJet following news of their intention to buy Flybe’s Gatwick slots with effect from March of next year.  easyJet have said they will increase capacity between Inverness and London by almost 30% with the introduction of an early morning departure to Gatwick and an evening arrival from Gatwick. They say the additional services will promote travel to both cities by offering low fares, friendly service and a choice of three flights a day.
 
The new easyJet flights will launch in March 2014 and the full timetable will be announced later this summer. They will be operated by modern, Airbus A319 156 seater planes.

Councillor Hendry said: “I am absolutely delighted with this announcement, which is a huge boost in confidence for the Highland economy. easyJet have listened to our concerns and responded very positively.  This is a tremendous result for the Highlands.”

He read a letter he had received from Hugh Aitken, Head of Scotland, easyjet. It read: “The timing of these additional flights is aimed principally at the Inverness business market and will ensure day trips to London remain possible.  Our decision to add capacity in Inverness is in no small part a result of the work undertaken by Highland Council and others, and the compelling arguments you put forward when we met.”

Councillor Hendry assured members that the Council would be following up other avenues of lobbying activity, for example in Europe, to secure long-term air links into regional air hubs, such as Inverness.