Flybe, Europe’s leading regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier, surprised delighted passengers on its first arrival into Leeds Bradford International Airport on Yorkshire Day by presenting those disembarking its Southampton flight with white roses aptly grown in Pickering in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside.

The first passenger to disembark, Leeds resident Mrs Merissa Hargeaves, was presented with a bouquet by Flybe’s Sales Manager North England, Laura Jurgens. All other passengers received single stems of the same Polar Star flowers that had been grown and personally delivered by local nurseryman, Ian Roger of R.V. Roger. These were chosen as an acceptable alternative to the traditional white Yorkshire rose, Alba Maxima, which sadly is not in bloom there at this time of the year. Also joining in the celebrations was Leeds Bradford Airport who arranged for passengers to also receive samples of renowned Yorkshire Tea.

Flybe, which operates five routes from Leeds Bradford including its daily London Gatwick service, is committed to providing a choice of affordable and convenient travel options to and from this key region and so was keen to mark the county’s special annual day, falling as it does at the beginning of the summer holidays.

Comments Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer: “We pride ourselves in being in touch and supporting the various regional communities we serve. So we are pleased to have been able to contribute in our own special way to this year’s Yorkshire Day celebrations and hope our passengers enjoyed the floral recognition!”

Flybe will fly some 562 flights a week to and from Leeds Bradford during August, a 12% increase over last year, its top three routes being Belfast City, Southampton and London Gatwick; sales up by a healthy 31.5% on flights serving Aberdeen,

The airline’s London Gatwick service is particularly popular not only for those travelling for business to and from the South East but also with those looking for affordable, convenient and hassle-free connections to mid- and long haul services with international carriers through Flybe’s numerous interline airline partners. In practice, this gives passengers the opportunity to check in luggage at Leeds Bradford airport on selected flights booked through travel agents, and only have to pick it up again when they reach their final destination, for example those as far afield as Barbados, Las Vegas and Tobago or closer to home such as Dusseldorf.

Carl Lapworth, LBIA Operations’ Director, said, ‘As Yorkshire’s Gateway airport we are proud to celebrate this special day and promote all that the White Rose county has to offer as an outstanding tourist destination.’