Direct flights between London and St. John's
Astraeus to launch St. John's-London connection

Businesses will get behind Air Canada competitor: trade board

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 | 4:40 PM NT

CBC News

An English airline is launching a year-round service between St. John's and the United Kingdom, filling a void created last fall by Air Canada.

Astraeus Airlines will fly from St. John's to Gatwick each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

"We are a niche carrier," said managing director Hugh Parry. "We constantly look for emerging and rapidly developing sectors … and we're seeing exciting opportunities in this province."

Astraeus has been flying charters between Gatwick and Deer Lake for three years, primarily through contacts with Humber Valley Resorts. In recent months, it introduced consumer flights as well.

Wednesday's announcement provides the resumption of year-round service between St. John's and London since Air Canada decided to provide only spring and summer flights.

That decision sparked a consumer uproar, as many European-bound travellers had to fly first to Halifax to make a connecting flight.

To lure customers, Astraeus is offering a one-way fare for $199.

Parry said he believes there is enough business to justify at least three flights per week.

"Your economy has done extremely well. In fact, it's booming," Parry told reporters. "Oil and gas, tourism, mining and other sectors all contributed to strong growth."

Astraeus will launch its service, involving a 129-seat Boeing 737, in May.

Air Canada will be resuming its spring flight schedule in April.

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