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Flybe outlines new Southend routes under Stobart Air franchise

Details of six new European routes operated by Flybe from Southend airport were unveiled this morning.

The destinations are Rennes, Groningen, Münster Osnabrück, Cologne Bonn, Caen and Antwerp.

The carrier will also start a three times a week service to Newquay in May.

A total of 60 jobs will be created at the Essex airport as part of the move.

The new Flybe routes will be operated by franchise partner Stobart Air under a 10-year agreement.

Flybe aims to carry up to 700,000 passengers on the new routes within three years, starting with 200,000 passengers in year one.

Services to Rennes, Groningen and Münster Osnabrück take off on June 5, with services to Cologne Bonn, Caen Normandie and Antwerp starting on July 3.

Flybe will increase capacity on the Southend services from September 1, resulting in a total of 102 weekly flights on the six new routes.

Tickets go on sale today (Thursday) with fares starting at £29.99.

Stobart Air chief operating officer Simon Fagan said: “Each of these new routes will resonate with both business and leisure passengers. Prices are competitive, schedules are convenient, and the airports are efficient.

“From London Southend’s perspective, we will expect to deliver an extra 200,000 passengers in year one, rising to 700,000 passengers within three years.

“The airport’s connectivity to the centre of London, plus the positive customer experience make it attractive for both passengers and airlines.

“For the 20 million people living within two hours of London Southend airport, it presents popular new destinations.

“The availability of daily return services on some of the routes means people can do a day’s business and be back home that evening.”

Airport managing director Roger Clements said: “This is fantastic news and perfect timing as we celebrate the completion of our terminal extension.

“We are convinced it is our unique, high standard of customer service that is responsible for London Southend becoming so popular over the past 12 months, and we are delighted to now be able to offer an even wider variety of destinations for business and leisure travellers, all year round.

“It is also fantastic that new jobs are being created, which is another economic boost we are bringing to the local area.”

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