Inverness Airport lands Geneva link
INVERNESS Airport has secured a new winter service to the Swiss city of Geneva.
Europe’s largest regional airline, Flybe, will operate the weekly scheduled service every Saturday from December 21 as part of its 2013-14 winter programme from Inverness.
With almost 50 ski resorts within an hour of the city, and hundreds more within easy reach, Geneva is a popular haven for skiers.
Flybe will operate a 118 seat Embraer 175 jet aircraft on the route with flights departing Inverness at 1.20pm and arriving in Geneva at 3.40pm. The return flight will leave Geneva at 4.20pm and arrive in the Highland capital at 6.40pm. The flight time is two hours, 20 minutes.
Andrew Strong, Managing Director Flybe UK said: "We are pleased to confirm the launch of a new Inverness to Geneva service as part of our 2013-14 winter programme. This is our second international service from the city and it illustrates our commitment to provide more choice for Highland passengers."
Inverness Airport Manager Graeme Bell said: "Geneva is a perfect winter holiday destination, with a fantastic mix of visitor attractions and the stunning Alps on its doorstep. This is a real coup for Inverness Airport and we hope that passengers will support the new service.
"We know that many Highlanders ski but in the past they have had to fly from the central belt. The launch of new direct flights from the Highlands to one of Europe’s most popular ski centres makes a winter ski trip more convenient and affordable."
Grenville Johnston, Chairman of HIAL, which operates Inverness Airport added: "We are absolutely delighted to secure this new route from Inverness. It is a fantastic addition to our route network and is a real vote of confidence in Inverness Airport from Flybe. The success of their Amsterdam service shows that there is a strong appetite for direct international flights from Inverness and we are confident that Geneva will prove equally popular with Highland holidaymakers.
"Equally, we have an opportunity to promote the Highlands and its many winter attractions to a Swiss audience and support our own tourism industry. We look forward to working with Flybe, VisitScotland and others to help promote this new service."
Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, close to the border with France, and offering views of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont-Blanc, Geneva has world class museums and attractions including the imposing European headquarters of the United Nations, the Palais des Nations, and the landmark Jet d’Eau water fountain.
Flights are now on sale at www.flybe.com
