Cambridge: More Flights From Airport

20 May 2013, 11:30 | Updated: 20 May 2013, 13:38

Flights to four key European destinations will begin at Cambridge Airport in the autumn.

From September 2, Swiss-headquartered carrier Darwin Airline will begin flights from Cambridge Airport to Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Geneva. 

There will be 24 weekly flights to and from Amsterdam, 12 weekly flights to and from Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport, eight weekly flights to and from Milan's Malpensa airport, and six weekly services to and from Geneva. 

Darwin will use 50-seat SAAB 2000 regional aircraft on all the routes. 

Commenting for the Marshal company which owns Cambridge Airport, aviation services managing director Steve Jones, said: "The opening of this new and exciting base by Darwin Airline is a strategic step in our development of Cambridge as a regional international airport. 

This puts our city firmly on the international transport map, making it easier for people from around the world to get here."

Flights from Cambridge Airport currently already operate to Jersey, Naples in Italy and The French Alps.

Maurizio Merlo, CEO at Darwin Airline, added: "As we expand within Europe, the UK is a key market for us to further establish and we are delighted to open our new base in the heart of East England. 

Cambridge is at the forefront of several business sectors and spearheading the UK's economic growth, it is thriving and vibrant, one of the UK,s most valuable and affluent markets.  

The team here at Cambridge Airport and many of the city?s stakeholders have inspired us to invest and connect the region to Europe and beyond."

Cambridge City Councillor Jean Swanson, Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services said: "I welcome new initiatives that support the economy of the Cambridge Area. 

The operation of scheduled flights to key European cities looks like an important contribution. 

I am however concerned that Cambridge Airport has not yet discussed the detailed proposals with the City Council so that we can be certain that these changes, and future plans, do not create unacceptable environmental implications for the residents of the city. 

I am seeking an urgent meeting with Cambridge Airport to discuss their proposals."

Responding to the new base for Darwin Airline, Alex Plant, Executive Director Economy, Transport and Environment at Cambridgeshire County Council commented: "Cambridgeshire already competes on the world stage and is home to a wealth of innovative companies, cutting-edge research and the best university in the world. 

The new services from Cambridge Airport will help to build our already strong international brand. 

Direct connections to key business centres and international hub airports like Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles De Gaulle will help our businesses to continue to grow and will complement the investments we are already making to support growth in the local and national economy.

It is also welcome news that aircraft will not be flying at night and that the airport has plans in place to ensure there is minimal impact on local residents"