VLM Airlines
has added a new route to its growing itinerary, with the introduction of the new service from London City Airport to Jersey, which launched on 30th June.The new route, which was dropped by FlyBe earlier this month, means that VLM now connects to 7 destinations. VLM will offer three flights each way on weekdays, once on Saturdays and twice on Sundays. VLM currently accounts for 1/3 of traffic from London City Airport.

VLM estimates that 83% of it’s passengers are business travellers. An impressive 15-20 minute check-in combined with the convenience of location of London City Airport, which is only 6 miles from London city centre makes this an ideal choice for the busy business traveller.

Titus Johnson, UK Regional Manager commented: “London City airport is the only London airport that has an 0207 telephone number”.

Johan Vanneste, Managing Director, VLM Airlines added: “Despite what Eurostar says, we are the fastest”

VLM Claim that another factor that differentiates them from other airlines is in the fact that they offer a full inflight service at no extra charge to its passengers, delivering good service, alongside punctuality and reliability. The airline boasts excellent on-time performance, reporting 95.6% flights on time in April 2004.

Following a website overhaul in September 2003, which saw the introduction of a new website booking engine, 15% of bookings are currently made online. Titus informed Internet Travel News that VLM are expecting this level to grow to 20% by the end of 2004.

Looking ahead, Titus revealed that the next priority for VLM would be the introduction of electronic check-ins. New routes which are likely to launch the next 2 years include France and Germany. In 2004, VLM expect to carry 500, 000 passengers.

The opening of the Dockland Light Rail link to City Airport in December 2005 is expected to improve the passenger experience significantly.
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