VLM Airlines has underlined its continuing emergence as the customer choice for air travel direct from the heart of London by passing the 100 flights mark. Added capacity for the carrier’s new winter programme gave customers, for a first time, the choice of more than 100 VLM Airlines flights each weekday to and from London City Airport.

VLM Airlines commenced operations in 1993 with its first daily flight from London City Airport to Antwerp in Belgium. Reinforcing its growth since then, VLM Airlines earlier today underlined its position as the largest operator from London City Airport by unveiling a new schedule with 104 flights each weekday between the central London gateway and 11 destinations in the UK and Western Europe.

Marking the occasion, passengers on the 10.35am service from Amsterdam, the carrier’s fastest-expanding route, were greeted by VLM Airlines’ newly-appointed UK Regional Manager, Carol Baker when they arrived in London. And other passengers travelling on board VLM flights from London City today received celebratory chocolates to mark the three-figure milestone.

“Today is a significant landmark for VLM Airlines, as we add new capacity from London City Airport. With more than 100 flights each weekday we now offer our passengers more choice of frequency and range of services than ever before,” said Baker.

“A growing number of customers recognise the many advantages of taking a VLM Airlines flight from London City Airport when travelling on business or pleasure. We’re grateful for the loyalty of customers in helping us to pass this century mark, and we will continue to focus on giving them the exceptional service they demand as we maintain the development of VLM Airlines,” she added.

Baker, 48, joined VLM in 2002 and was appointed UK Sales Manager in 2003. For the previous six years, she had been Reservations Manager for a scheduled flight division of First Choice Holidays.

Charles Buchanan, Business Development Director for London City Airport, is in no doubt that VLM Airlines, having exceeded 100 flights per day, will continue to grow: “VLM Airlines is now the largest operator at London City Airport and within its 13 years of operating has almost carried four million passengers.  The driving force behind this success is VLM Airlines’ customer-focused business model - all route launches are supported by the high frequency schedules that business travellers demand.  We look forward to continuing to work with VLM Airlines as it goes from strength to strength.”

The century mark came as VLM Airlines introduced its new winter schedule for 2006/7, which included service increases to a number of key destinations. The carrier increased operations to Antwerp from six to seven per weekday, to Amsterdam from 12 to 13 each weekday and a new service to Groningen via Amsterdam.

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