Zoom Airlines will strengthen its presence in the low-cost Canadian marketplace with its expanded Belfast to Canada service. A direct service from Belfast International Airport to Halifax will depart weekly catering for the unprecedented level of demand for Zoom’s low-cost full scheduled flights throughout summer. This route will also operate to Toronto increasing the number of summer flights on this route to two a week.

The introduction of low-cost scheduled flights from Belfast to Canada in 2005 allowed Zoom to cater for a high level of localised demand and achieve a number of firsts in the marketplace. Zoom was the first airline to offer low-cost full scheduled flights direct from Belfast all-year-round, the first to offer a non-stop service to Vancouver and now Halifax, and the first to offer a choice of Canadian destinations throughout the summer months.

Debbie Marshall, UK Director of Zoom Airlines said: “I am delighted to be increasing our Belfast service strengthening our presence in the transatlantic low-cost market place. We endeavour to offer more choice and flexibility on our transatlantic services and the Halifax route is testament to that. Our plan to expand the Vancouver route throughout winter is also very exciting and will appeal to independent skiers who will be able to experience the Rockies at prices similar to a typical European flight. We pride ourselves in offering the lowest full serviced scheduled fares from Belfast across the Atlantic and one of the key contributing factors to our success is the one-way fares policy we operate allowing passengers to fly into one destination and return from another.”

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said: “NITB welcomes today’s announcement as more good news for tourism. The increase in direct international flights and the resulting improved access should help to ensure that 2007 is another successful year for NI tourism. Zoom’s routes from Halifax, Vancouver and Toronto will provide even better opportunities to target Canadian holidaymakers and business tourists.”

John Doran, managing director, Belfast International Airport, said: “Halifax is just the latest route to be added to our growing number of transatlantic destinations. We are extremely pleased that this route, along with the expansion of the Vancouver service, brings the number of direct transatlantic scheduled destinations to six from Belfast International Airport.”