Air travel between Cardiff and Anglesey has been secured for the next four years following the Welsh Government’s decision to award the air service contract to Eastern Airways.
The awarding of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract between February 2019 and February 2023 was announced by Economy and Transport Minister, Ken Skates, with the scheduled air service providing two flights each weekday in both directions between north and south Wales.
Since March 2017, Eastern Airways has provided stability and achieved significant growth on the Cardiff – Anglesey route of around 40% and brought visibility to the service amongst new and existing passengers.
Welcoming the news, Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager Commercial and Operations, said: “Since stepping in to cover this incredibly important economic link between the north and south of Wales, we have proactively grown passenger numbers as part of the Flybe branded service.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract to help further grow the capacity on the service in fully supporting the Transport Minister, and both Cardiff Airport and Anglesey Council’s ambition to increase accessibility and also improve connectivity to other services offered by our franchise partner Flybe, plus Qatar, KLM, Ryanair and TUI at Cardiff.”
Transport Minister Ken Skates, said: “Wales needs to be better connected. Eastern Airways shares our ambitions to significantly grow the route over the next four years, thereby increasing the economic benefit to Wales. I hope this will include Eastern Airways operating its Jetstream 41 at the full capacity of 29 seats, offering almost 50% more seats than it is currently able to offer.
“In addition to already supporting the Cardiff – Anglesey service, I continue to push the UK Government to allow Wales to introduce a network of new PSO air services across the UK to support Wales’ domestic trade.”
Passengers travelling on Cardiff – Anglesey, Cardiff – Newcastle and connecting Aberdeen services operated by Eastern Airways benefit from complimentary on board hot and cold drinks, snacks and 10kg inclusive hand luggage.
