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New airline steps in to run Cardiff Airport routes

Cardiff Airport says it has secured CityJet, part of the Air France airline group, to operate the Glasgow and Paris (Orly) routes and fill the breach left by Flybe.

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First Minister: New airline 'shows potential' of airport

First Minister Carwyn Jones says the news that Cardiff Airport has secured a new airline to run the Glasgow and Paris routes, which Flybe is withdrawing from in January, "clearly demonstrates the commercial attraction and strong potential" of the airport.

CityJet, part of the Air France airline group, will operate the routes from next month.

The Welsh Government bought Cardiff Airport for £52m earlier this year, aiming to turn around years of declining passenger numbers.

Read More: Welsh Government buys Cardiff Airport

This announcement is excellent news for Cardiff Airport, and clearly demonstrates the commercial attraction and strong potential of our national airport.

I am pleased that we were able to respond swiftly to the news of Flybe’s withdrawal, and in the space of just two weeks, attract a new carrier to operate routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paris and Jersey.

These new routes will provide the business and leisure traveller with excellent choice and flexibility.

Together with the announcement of new routes to Germany and the Caribbean earlier this week, Cardiff Airport is proving to be a highly attractive proposition for airlines.

Our recent announcement of a £10m loan facility will help the Airport to develop and modernise, and continue to attract new carriers and open new routes.

– Carwyn Jones, First Minister

Read More: Flybe withdraws from two Cardiff Airport routes

Routes for Cardiff Airport secured

CityJet operates out of London City Airport. Credit: Nick Ansell/PA Wire

Cardiff Airport says it's secured CityJet, part of the Air France airline group, to operate the Glasgow and Paris (Orly) routes and fill the breach left by Flybe.

CityJet will start serving the routes in January.

Flybe announced, earlier this month, it will be withdrawing the routes because of the reorganisation of its business.

Managers also say from the start of the summer schedule flights to Edinburgh and Jersey will be added.

Cardiff Airport’s Chief Executive, Jon Horne:

'This is fantastic news and I’m delighted CityJet has responded so quickly to pick up these vitally important routes from Cardiff Airport.'

'We’re very pleased that there will be continuity in our services to Glasgow and Paris for the tens of thousands of passengers a year for whom these routes are vital.'

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