Flybe, the UK’s Number One Domestic airline, has today not only waved off its first-ever flight to Edinburgh from Manston but also announced a second brand new year-round service, this time a six-day a week service to Manchester from September 6th.

The new service will be operated by the airline’s fuel efficient Bombardier Q400 aircraft and reinforces Flybe’s commitment to Kent and to its presence Manston Airport.

Schedule details as follows:

September 6th to October 30th, 2010

Monday - Friday
Dep Manchester 1040   Arr Manston   1150
Dep Manston 1215 Arr Manchester 1325

Sunday
Dep Manchester 1145 Arr Manston 1255
Dep Manston 1320 Arr Manchester 1430
October 30th - March 26th, 2011

Monday - Friday
Dep Manchester 1040 Arr Manston 1150
Dep Manston 1215 Arr Manchester 1325

Sunday

Dep Manchester 1225 Arr Manston 1335
Dep Manston 1400 Arr Manchester 1510

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “Flybe is especially pleased to be able to announce this second new route to Manchester from Manston on the day when we see our first ever flight from Manston to Edinburgh take off. This additional service, coming so soon after the launch of our new Scottish route, is further evidence of our commitment to Manston and re-iterates our contribution to assisting the airport’s future growth.”

Tom Wilson, Chief Executive of Infratil Airports Europe, the owner and operator of Manston, added: “Flybe’s decision to add a daily service between Manston and Manchester is fantastic news and a vote of confidence, not only in the airport and the people that work here, but also in Kent as a short break destination.

“The sales for the flights to Edinburgh have shown that there is strong latent demand from across Kent for flights from a hassle-free regional airport like Manston and Flybe’s decision recognises that commercial reality.

“We are confident that business and residents in the county will vote with their feet when looking to travel to Manchester and choose Flybe from Manston rather than driving or going by train.”

Concludes Mr Rutter: “Flybe prides itself on ensuring that travellers have the widest possible choice of affordable, quality flights to attractive business and leisure destinations. We would advise passengers, whether they are travelling to Manchester for business or pleasure, to book early to take advantage of the lowest possible fares.”