New summer flights to Cornwall have been scheduled from Teesside by Eastern Airways as part of the recovery of UK regional economies.
The regional carrier will start its first scheduled flights from Newquay airport on July 6, operating initially on Mondays and Fridays.
The flight time of just over 60 minutes will save a road journey of more than 7 hours or rail over 9 hours.
The new route will follow the resumption of flying on a number of routes across the UK from June 22.
The airline will run daily Monday to Friday services from Teesside to Aberdeen and Belfast City, with London City starting on July 6.
Eastern Airways’ commercial and operations general manager Roger Hage said: “As a UK regional airline we are all about connecting the various business and tourism sectors which are vital to the economic recovery of the UK, so delighted to take this first step in serving Newquay from the north-east of England when UK travel begins to return for the summer peak.
“This will offer a quick and easy Cornish staycation destination to our growing Teesside International network.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, said: “At Teesside airport, we have the safety measures in place to open up to tourists and business travellers alike, with routes connecting us to all corners of the UK and Ireland, and to a growing number of destinations across the globe.
“I’ve always said that investment won’t come on a bus, it will come through our airport terminal, so whether you work for a company looking to expand your operations, or a holidaymaker wanting a staycation somewhere new, I look forward to welcoming you to our region.”
Cornwall airport Newquay managing director Pete Downes added: “Given the long distance and journey time of existing transport modes, improving air connectivity between Cornwall and the north of England is vitally important in supporting the recovery of our visitor economy and wider business community, not just as lockdown restrictions begin to ease, but over the long term.”
The airline stressed that services will be carefully re-introduced as Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease with extensive cleaning measures on board and throughout all aspects of the airport.
A full anti-bacterial wipe down of all touch points between every service operated and also a comprehensive aircraft night-stop sanitisation will be implemented.
The usual complimentary on-board service will initially be limited to reduce customer contact.