Flight Support is to take on Belgian regional carrier VLM Airlines at Manchester Airport, effective 1 February, 2008.  Flight Support will support its regular arriving and departing services to Antwerp, Rotterdam and London City Airport.

It will handle the carrier’s ramp operations and passenger handling, building on a relationship that started in November 2005 when VLM Airlines selected Flight Support to look after its interests on the Isle of Man.  VLM Airlines flies twice daily from the Isle of Man to London City Airport with a Fokker 50 aircraft. The airline has a fleet of 18 Fokker 50 aircraft and one BAe 146 jet aircraft.

 

“We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with VLM Airlines at Manchester.  We have worked together at Ronaldsway, Liverpool and now Manchester Airport and we will work closely with their management and operations team to ensure the VLM service is run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible,” said Flight Support CEO Brett Turner. 

 

Flight Support recently added some 20 staff to support its expanded operation at Manchester and invested in more airside vehicles and equipment.  It has been providing ramp operations at Manchester Airport since October 1st this year.

 

Hugo Lücke, Director Customer Services at VLM Airlines stated: “We have been working with Flight Support for over two years now and during this period we have been pleased with their high level of service.  As a regional business airline where time is of the essence and a high quality level is a daily requirement, it is comforting to work with a supplier who aims at achieving the same quality standards. “

 

Flight Support purchased Manchester Handling in May 2006 and now looks after scheduled and charter airlines at the airport including EuroManx, Flybe, Flyglobespan, Livingstone, Viking and Volare.

 

Also established at Ronaldsway, Liverpool John Lennon and Coventry Airports, Flight Support is actively expanding its presence in the UK and is working to secure 10 stations within the next two years.  Independently-owned Flight Support employs some 360 people and some 120 plus in Manchester.

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