New Belfast-Amsterdam Route Unveiled

Dutch airline KLM has confirmed it is to launch a new route from Belfast City Airport.

The daily service will commence in May 2015 and will see flights operate between George Best Belfast City Centre and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Tickets for the route go on sale from today (6 January).

Welcoming the announcement, Belfast City Airport's Commercial and Marketing Director, Katy Best, said: "Attracting an airline such as KLM to Northern Ireland, is a major win for the airport, tourism within the region and local businesses who will benefit from KLM's worldwide network.

"KLM places significant emphasis on customer service and offers a product that is flexible, comfortable and desirable for each and every passenger making the airline a perfect fit for Belfast City Airport where continuously enhancing the passenger experience remains a priority."

She added: "Schiphol is the linchpin of the KLM network, and as one of the busiest airports in Europe serving over 300 destinations, it is an attractive superhub with quick and easy transfer facilities for passengers on popular routes such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Moscow, Johannesburg and Bangkok.

"KLM's connectivity to many source markets will be particularly appealing to Northern Ireland for both business opportunities and tourism development."

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster commented: "KLM is a welcome addition to the growing list of air carriers now serving Northern Ireland. KLM's Amsterdam service will improve Northern Ireland's access to important business and tourism markets in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

"Air connectivity plays a crucial role in growing our economy and the access to a KLM service will provide global markets with help to ensure that Northern Ireland becomes even more accessible for those who wish to visit or do business here. I congratulate KLM on the establishment of their Belfast - Amsterdam service."

(JP)