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Loganair has today (8 March) confirmed that it is looking at increasing its flights from Teesside to the capital following the news that the Treasury is set to create a base in Darlington.
The new Treasury North campus, which was announced in last week’s Spring Budget, will see 750 civil servants come to the town, just a ten-minute drive from Teesside International Airport.
The news came as a new connection between the airport and Bristol was revealed.
The Bristol service, which starts on 24 May, will operate a service in each direction Monday to Friday and on Sundays. The 70-minute flight will leave Teesside on weekdays at 14.25, with the return flight departing from Bristol 16.05.
Fares start from £49.99 one-way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance, and tickets will go on sale from tomorrow, 9 March.
Loganair returned to Teesside on 1 February after an absence of over two years. In a short time, the airline is already well established on the key route to Aberdeen; has launched its London Heathrow flights and is introducing flights from Teesside to Belfast City, Dublin, Jersey and Cornwall Airport Newquay over the coming weeks, with Bristol its seventh route. As part of the renewed partnership with Teesside International, Loganair has named one of its Embraer 145 jets Spirit of Teesside.
As well as the Treasury North campus, it was also revealed in the Budget that Teesside was successful in its bid to become the UK’s largest Freeport, with the airport set to become one of the zones operating under the new rules.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “After the fantastic news of Treasury North coming to Darlington and the Chancellor’s Freeports announcement, Loganair is also signalling another huge vote of confidence in the region.
“By announcing plans to increase its capital connections, even more vital as our area works more closely than ever with Whitehall, and this new Bristol service, it is signalling the huge role we’re going to be playing in driving the UK forward.
“Our airport is a key part of my plan for jobs and the investments that are going to power forward our region and create a jobs tsunami for local people. These won’t come on a bus, they’ll come through our airport terminal.
“Our connection to Bristol is also great news for businesses across Teesside as well as local people who are looking for a UK-based city break to a brilliant destination. I’m also looking forward to welcoming visitors from Bristol here and show them all we have to offer.
“Our partnership with Loganair is going from strength to strength despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. This announcement is just the latest in a long line of good news as we increase routes and make the airport one that the people of Teesside can be proud of once again.
“Over the past four years we’ve made huge progress, we saved our airport from closure, secured the UK’s biggest freeport and landed Treasury North and with it a seat at the top table of government. Let’s not go back to the old ways of doing things, let’s keep moving forward.”
Loganair Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “We are very pleased to expand our commitment to Teesside International with this direct service to Bristol, connecting two important UK business locations. We’re sure that the new connection will be warmly welcomed by customers travelling for work reasons and by those – just as soon as they can – travelling to visit friends and family.”
“Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget speech was effusive in his praise of what is being achieved on Teesside, and the awarding of one of the eight English freeports to Teesside and the Treasury’s new economic campus to Darlington emphasises this is one of the UK’s areas of growing importance.
“Our Teesside to Heathrow service starts today, and these announcements mean we are already looking at increasing flights to London.”
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “Frequent flights between Bristol and the North of England help foster strong links for business and tourism, which is why Loganair’s new Teesside service is such great news. Teesside is a convenient gateway from which to explore the North England, just as Bristol Airport is the ideal starting point for visitors to South West England and South Wales.”