Inaugural flights mark start of BIGGEST year yet in Northern Ireland.
This week is a major milestone in Northern Ireland for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays with the very first flights jetting off from Belfast International Airport to Rome on Thursday 2nd April and Prague on Friday 3rd April.
The inaugural flights to these two stunning cities, the only direct services available from Northern Ireland, mark the start of the BIGGEST year to date for the leading leisure airline and package holiday specialist – 2015 sees the introduction of a THIRD dedicated aircraft and no fewer than FIVE new routes, with flights to Gran Canaria, Verona and Zante also due to commence over the coming weeks.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays now offer the biggest choice of international destinations direct from Belfast International, now giving Northern Ireland holidaymakers no fewer than 18 holiday hotspots to choose from.
The new Rome flights will depart twice weekly from 2nd April until 1st November 2015, with up to three weekly flights to Prague operating between 3rd April 2015 and 4th January 2016.
“This really is a momentous week in what is going to be a milestone year for us in Northern Ireland,” said Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
“As the UK’s third largest tour operator, we are already one of the biggest travel companies operating out of Northern Ireland and we continue to expand with our five new destinations this year, so it’s fantastic to see the first of these new routes take to the skies this week.
“Rome and Prague are fabulous and exciting cities which are not available through any other operator. I’m sure they’ll be very popular with local holidaymakers and it’s great to see that both of our inaugural flights are almost sold out.”
In total, more than a quarter of a million seats will be available for Northern Ireland passengers this year with more than 70 services per week operating to the 18 destinations. As a result of this continued expansion, 86 new jobs have been created this year, including flight and cabin crew, engineers and ground operations staff.
Steve added: “Demand is growing for both our flights and holidays year on year and, in addition to our new routes, we are also increasing our capacity to Malaga with the introduction of additional flights to this popular Spanish destination.
“These developments really demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing our loyal local customers with unrivalled choice and flexibility when it comes to planning their next well-earned break. With our fantastic range of destinations, aligned with great flight times, generous baggage allowances, low deposits and award winning customer service, we are confident we have the right mix to cement our position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading leisure operators.”
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport, added: “This is a very significant week for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays and also for Belfast International Airport, with the launch of Rome and Prague as new destinations, representing up to five additional departures from the airport every week.
“It is wonderful to see how Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have expanded over the years. We are delighted to work in partnership with such a progressive company and we look forward to working closely together in the future to give Northern Ireland holidaymakers the best possible choice from Belfast International Airport.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
