PERSEVERANCE finally paid off for Liverpool with the launch of its three-times-a-day air link with Amsterdam.

Council leader Warren Bradley headed a Liverpool delegation on the inaugural KLM flight between the city and Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, which is now the gateway for Liverpool passengers to link with 650 destinations around the world.

Vincent Knoops, KLM’s senior vice president corporate communications, welcomed the Liverpool party to Schiphol, and said: “Liverpool airport and the council have been working hard for many years, knocking on the door of KLM to make the connection.

“I would like to compliment them on their never-ending effort.

“You got it – well done.”

Cllr Bradley responded: “Thanks to everyone at KLM for having the confidence to connect Liverpool to the rest of the world.

“Today is a new opportunity and a new chance for Liverpool, not only to export its goods but to bring people to the city to see what a fabulous place it is.

“Ten years ago we could only dream – today it is absolute reality.

“We now have to go away and make sure it works for the people of Liverpool, for KLM and for the city of Liverpool.”