VLM Airlines is introducing another three return flights to Amsterdam from 4th September 2006, bringing the total number of return flights to nine each weekday.

VLM Airlines launched the London City - Amsterdam route in April 2005 with three flights every weekday, offering a choice of Business and Economy Class on each service. A further three services were introduced earlier this year and, from September, the carrier will offer nine return flights every weekday, along with two each Sunday and one flight on Saturday.

In its first eight months of operation in 2005, VLM Airlines carried 31,100 passengers on the route, a figure that has already been surpassed in the first six months of 2006 during which time 36,100 passengers were carried.

David Nye, Regional Manager UK for VLM Airlines says: “Since we commenced services to Amsterdam in April 2005, we have seen a steady growth in demand for our flights, especially from business travellers who appreciate our short check-in times and excellent on-time performance. For the first six months of 2006, our on-time performance was 91.6%”

Earlier this year, VLM Airlines conducted an extensive survey of its passengers and the results clearly demonstrated that passengers on the London City - Amsterdam route chose the carrier because of the convenient location of London City Airport. This was enhanced in December 2005 by the opening of the Docklands Light Railway link to the airport, which enables VLM passengers to travel directly from London’s financial district to the airport in just 22 minutes. Coupled with a check-in time of just 15 minutes at London City Airport, this means passengers can travel from office door to aircraft door within 45 minutes.

In addition, VLM Airlines holds a strong competitive advantage at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where its aircraft are parked at the gate, meaning that no long bus rides are necessary from remote stands, and the distance from check-in to aircraft is kept to a minimum. This again allows passengers to save time on their business trips.

Richard Gooding, Managing Director for London City Airport is confident that these additional frequencies on the Amsterdam - London City route will prove successful: “VLM Airlines is the largest carrier at London City Airport and it’s good to see that they are listening to their passengers and responding to customer demand.  Amsterdam has always been a popular route, with both business and leisure passengers, so the introduction of additional flights now provides even more flexibility”.

Fares from London City to Amsterdam start from £22 (one-way excluding taxes). For information and reservations, visit www.flyvlm.com or your local travel agent.

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