12 Nov 2002
The announcement today of new direct services to and from Scotland by the airline buzz, was hailed as a further boost to Scotland's air links by Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell.
The no frills Airline buzz, owned by KLM, announced new services from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport to Bournemouth, linking the two destinations for the first time. The services are due to start in March 2003.
Helen Liddell said.
"Today's announcement is another piece of good news in the development of air services from Scotland. The decision by buzz to expand its UK flight operations from Prestwick is great for the economic future for Scotland. These services will further link Scotland with business and tourism in the South of England, and will offer a greater choice for the traveller, be that for business or pleasure.
"I hope this will be a catalyst for the further expansion of buzz routes from Scotland. I urge the Scottish travelling public to take advantage of the opportunities the new service offers, and hope that it will encourage more visitors to Scotland from the South of England and beyond.
"This news follows hot on the heels of recent announcements of more direct services to and from Prestwick. I again congratulate the management and staff for their commitment to getting the conditions right to attract new carriers into Scotland."
The most recent air passenger figures from Scotland show that Scotland is growing at a strong pace. When compared to October 2000, in October 2002 Glasgow's air passengers were up 16.7 per cent, Aberdeen up 5 per cent, Edinburgh up 27.7 per cent and Prestwick up 41.6 per cent.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Scotland's airports at present have international direct scheduled flights to 39 destinations in 16 countries with a further 130 international destinations in 33 countries served by indirect flights (with one stop). Further details can be obtained from BAA plc www.baa.co.uk. and from Glasgow Prestwick airport www.gpia.co.uk
2. The Government is currently undertaking a consultation process on the future development of air service across the UK, which included a consultation document for Scotland. Consultation documents and questionnaires are available on-line at www.airconsult.gov.uk or by calling the helpline on 0845 100 5554. The consultation period closes on 30 November.
3. buzz is the UK's third largest low cost carrier, and currently flies to 24 destinations across France, Germany, Spain ad Holland. For more details of buzz services check www.buzz.co.uk