BOOKINGS are soaring ahead for a new air service that will connect Liverpool to the rest of the world.
KLM launches a route to Amsterdam in March that will link with 750 other destinations worldwide.
It means that passengers can make one booking and change at Schiphol airport for a range of locations across the continents.
KLM, who recently won the prestigious 2009 Business Travel World Award for Best Short Haul Travel Provider for the second time in five years, will commence its three times daily service on March 29.
Neil Pakey, deputy chief executive of Peel Airports, said: “This highlights what we have been saying for many years. By attracting a service such as KLM's, which feeds into such a comprehensive worldwide hub network, passengers now have the opportunity to travel between Liverpool and hundreds of cities across the world for the first time. Until now for many, Liverpool as a destination did not exist on the worldwide airline route network. These latest statistics clearly show this is no longer the case.”
Lorraine Rogers, chief executive of The Mersey Partnership (TMP), said: “Delivering this hub connection for Liverpool City Region has been both an airport and a TMP priority for more than three years. We are delighted that our combined efforts to attract KLM have already met with such a resounding endorsement from international travellers maximising Liverpool’s enhanced global connectivity. The route will be a significant driver for further growth across our business sectors, including tourism.”
On the new route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol, Christine Ourmières, the general manager Air France KLM UK & Ireland, said: “Our decision to operate this service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a significant part of our strategy to provide greater access to Amsterdam and the Netherlands from the UK regions.
“Fantastic destinations around the world are now easily reachable from Liverpool with KLM. We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Liverpool region with this new direct service. We look forward to seeing both business and leisure passengers on board soon. I am convinced this route will be a success.”
Bookings have already been made for China and Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, African destinations and a further 18 European locations.
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