The first flight on the new bmi service between London Stansted and City of Derry Airport has been completed.
Dignitaries from both destinations attended the launch as passengers were treated to coffee and cake.
Twice-daily rotations, from £44 one-way, will fly every day except Saturdays (when there will be one flight each way) are aimed at both business and leisure travellers.
Jochen Schnadt, chief commercial officer of bmi regional, said: “Given Derry’s recent and sustained period of economic growth, significant investment in new jobs and the various future growth projects, we are positive that the enhanced double-daily connectivity bmi regional’s new service offers will generate additional activity in the market.
“It has become one of our fastest-selling route launches and we are very pleased with customer acceptance of our latest service.”
Andrew Cowan, London Stansted Airport CEO, added: “The vital and popular link to the City of Derry will act as an important gateway to London and the East of England as well as providing easy access and excellent flight schedules for both business and leisure passengers wishing to visit the city and the beautiful scenery of north west Northern Ireland.”