George Eustice MP welcomes Government deal to protect Cornwall to London air link.
The crucial transport link between Cornwall and London was secured after the Department for Transport announced a four year funding deal for flights between Newquay and London Gatwick airport .
The public service obligation (PSO) will continue a link which contributes millions of pounds to the Cornwall and South West economies. The government is providing £2.5 million in addition to £300,000 from Cornwall Council. Three flights each way will take place during the week with two weekend rotations. Around 100,000 passengers use the route every year for work or leisure.
Flybe will operate the flights with the timings providing a convenient schedule for a full working day at either destination.
George said:
“This is great news for Cornwall and comes hot on the heels of recent measures announced by David Cameron to improve our railways and get faster and more regular trains to London. We need to keep up the pressure in Westminster for deals like this and with the vast majority of local residents relying on their cars I really want to progress plans around the duelling of the A30.”
The Regional Air Connectivity fund was announced by the government in June 2013. The fund is being used to maintain important regional air connections. The government doubled the size of the fund to £20 million per year in the 2014 Budget.