VLM Airlines is broadening its range of routes from Northern England on 30th October, when it launches a non-stop service from Manchester to Antwerp. The carrier, which already flies to London City from both Manchester and Liverpool, will serve Antwerp with two return flights each weekday, and one return service each Sunday.

VLM Airlines’ existing service from London City to Antwerp will also be enhanced, with the addition of three return flights each weekday from 18th September, giving the airline’s passengers a choice of seven flights each weekday, along with two flights on Saturdays and one each Sunday.

The London City - Antwerp service was the very first route introduced on the VLM Airlines network.  Today, 13 years later, the route has proven its merits with a large number of business travellers making regular use of this service.  In the first eight months of 2006, over 54,500 passengers were booked on this route, an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. The increase in services from London City will allow more flexibility for business passengers wishing to travel from the heart of London.

VLM Airlines has flown from Manchester since 1998, and currently offers eight return flights each weekday on its service to London City. In 2005, the airline carried around 113,000 passengers on the service - more than any other route on its network.

Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines comments: “We are continually looking to increase the choice of routes and services we offer our customers. Our passenger figures have demonstrated that a large number of our passengers were already flying between Manchester and Antwerp via London City, so we felt it was appropriate to introduce a non-stop service.

“Demand for our services between London City and Antwerp has continued to grow, and so we have taken this opportunity to introduce these additional flights,” he added.

VLM Airlines will be introducing an additional three Fokker 50 aircraft to operate these new services, bringing its total fleet size to 19 Fokker 50 aircraft.

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