![[logo] Cardiff international Airport](/gfx/gfx_cwl_logo.gif){kind=logo}
CHOCS AWAY FOR NEW BELGIAN ROUTE
08 June 2006
Passengers at Cardiff International Airport were treated to Belgian chocolates as Eastern Airways launched the fastest link from South Wales to Brussels.
The full service UK regional airline began its first international services from Cardiff and gave passengers a taste of things to come by offering each of them a Belgian chocolate.
The new convenient twice daily weekday service, which started on 5 June, takes one hour 40 minutes on a 29 seat Jetstream 41 aircraft.
Eastern Airways first international services from Cardiff depart at 6.50am and 4.55pm, arriving in Brussels at 9.30am and 7.35pm local time. Return flights leave Brussels at 10am, (10.20am on Wednesdays) and 8.05pm landing in Cardiff at 10.40am (11am on Wednesdays) and 8.45pm local time.
Keith Watson, Eastern Airways' head of sales & marketing, said: "We are delighted to commence our first ever international services from Wales offering direct flights from Cardiff to Brussels. Convenience is a key priority for business travellers and we are meeting their needs by considerably cutting down existing travel times between South Wales and the EU capital, as well as providing a day return business schedule. Brussels and Bruges are also popular and attractive city break destinations for tourists."
"The start of Eastern Airways' service to one of Europe's most influential cities is great news for business travellers", said Jon Horne, managing director of Cardiff International Airport. "Support from the Welsh Assembly Government first put the route on the airline's agenda but now we are seeing Eastern launch its flights with the kind of schedule and service level that can lead to commercial success."
Russell Goodway, chief executive of The Chamber of Commerce in Cardiff, said: "Eastern Airways' commitment to this route is very welcome. In a competitive business environment it is crucial that firms can access the major business regions by air. Today's announcement offers the potential for substantial economic benefits and is a welcome addition to the routes already available from Cardiff International Airport."
Mr Goodway added: "We strongly believe that the airport and the
airlines that operate out of it have a key role to play in
facilitating economic growth throughout South Wales and in
attracting new businesses and visitors to the region. This
latest announcement is further evidence of the partnership activity
that is operating between the airport, the airlines and local
businesses."
Businesses in Wales with links to Brussels include those from
silicon solutions, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food processing,
manufacturing and automotive industries.
Brussels Airport has an efficient rail link into the capital city with train journeys taking just 20 minutes.
Eastern Airways' new Cardiff - Brussels route follows the recent successful launch of its twice daily weekday service to Newcastle from the Cardiff.
![[logo] Fivesite.co.uk](/gfx/gfx_logo_fivesite.gif){kind=logo}
