Bigger planes on North – South Wales route
18.10.09
Larger planes are to be used on the north-south Wales air link to meet growing demand for seats. The news came as it was announced that the service between Anglesey's Valley and Cardiff airports will be extended until 2014.
Welsh Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones said the Assembly Government will be re-tendering for the service, which began operating two years ago, to run from May 2010, and it will be expanded to provide at least 29 passenger seats on each flight. Currently the service uses 18-seater aircraft.
In the first two years of operation over 28,900 passengers used the service. This exceeded expectations so that, with an 18-seat aircraft, load factors have been consistently high. The next contract will have a maximum ticket price of around £56, including the Air Passenger Duty which is applicable to a larger capacity aircraft. The maximum ticket price will apply to 75% of the minimum seating capacity, allowing the operator some flexibility in setting fares for the remaining seats.
The service will operate to a similar timetable as at present, with two flights a day in each direction from Monday to Friday.