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NOVEMBER 2018
N E W S F R O M E U R O P E ’ S L A R G E S T R E G I O N A L A I R L I N E
Flybe’s World
took the opportunity to thank those in
attendance for helping Flybe succeed
in Northern Ireland and highlighted
the wealth of routes and connections
from Belfast City to the rest of the world
through Flybe’s airport hubs.
Originating as an air-taxi company
owned by a family-run steel company,
C Walker & Sons, Spacegrand Aviation
as it was known then, made its first
official flight to Belfast Harbour Airport
from Blackpool in 1983. A few months
later, Walkers Steel Group bought
Jersey European Airways and the
airline began commercial activity from
Belfast.
Christine explained, “We are
extremely proud of our long
association with Belfast
City Airport and have been
privileged to both serve
our customers in Northern
Ireland for over 35 years
and employ over 200 local
people at what is one of our
top three UK bases.”
In 1985 Jersey European
Airways became known as
Jersey European, offering
flights from Belfast Harbour
to Exeter. Birmingham was
added in 1986 and remains
the airline’s longest-served
destination from Belfast. By
1993, another six routes had
been added. In 2000 the
airline was re-named British
European to better reflect the range of
UK destinations.
Responding to radical changes in
the aviation sector, Flybe was born
in 2002 when the traditional airline
repositioned itself as a low-fare airline.
Investment in new fleet and services
followed, with a purple brand overhaul
in 2014.
Katy Best, Commercial Director
at George Best Belfast City Airport,
said: “The economic impact of Flybe
operating from Belfast City Airport
cannot be underestimated both in
terms of job creation and allowing
business people and leisure travellers
the opportunity to connect seamlessly
with all parts of the UK.
“I congratulate Flybe on this
milestone.”
the world’s largest yachts,
moored in Hamburg and
to date the team has taken
numerous Flybe flights
to and from Hamburg.
Julie Clark, Operations
and Sales Director, (pictured
with Paul Willoughby, Flybe’s
Regional Sales Manager)
said: “This service opened
up a vital link into Germany.
It’s been great for us to be
able to travel from A to B
with such ease, providing
our staff with the flexibility
to get home to their friends
and families at the
weekend.”
The German
connection
ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
OF BIRMINGHAM TO
HAMBURG ROUTE
Celebrating 35 years
in Northern Ireland
A LOOK BACK TO HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Midlands and Flybe’s
investment in this service
continues to benefit the
economy and businesses
throughout the region.”
One of the many
companies to have
embraced the new route
is Market Bosworth-based
Savage Lighting which
designs and manufactures
high-quality LED lighting
products and control
systems for the superyacht
and marine leisure industry.
Coincidentally, they
were appointed to carry
out a huge refit for one of
We recently celebrated
the first anniversary of
our year-round service
between Birmingham
and Hamburg. Having
expanded from four to
six flights a week to meet
demand, it remains the
only direct service
connecting the two cities.
Commenting on how
the route has benefited
the Midlands, well-known
business leader Peter
Mathews CMG, Chairman
of Black Country Metals,
said: “Hamburg has many
synergies with the West
Belfast City Hall paid us a very special and unique
tribute with a purple make-over to mark our 35-year
contribution to the local economy and tourism sector
To celebrate 35 years operating from
George Best Belfast City Airport,
Chief Executive, Christine Ourmières-
Widener; Chief Commercial Officer,
Roy Kinnear; and Country Manager for
Ireland, Ken Harrower, recently hosted
a celebratory reception in Belfast’s
Grand Central Hotel.
The event was attended by many
of the leading figures from across
Northern Ireland’s tourism industry who
have supported us during the past 35
years. Christine Ourmières-Widener
Christine Ormières-Widener and
Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of
George Best Belfast City Airport