Belfast City Airport move for growing airline: Manx2.com expands Northern Ireland operation

The move more than doubles the size of Manx2.com's presence in Northern Ireland and will create many new jobs in the region both directly and indirectly; particularly in the hospitality commercial and tourism sectors. Effective from 31st October 2010, Manx2.com will move all Northern Ireland operations from Belfast International Airport to its new base at Belfast City Airport.

The airline also announced a new twice daily service from Belfast to Cork with the morning flight departing Belfast at 07.50am and arriving in Cork Airport at 09.00am. Passengers will benefit from the fast Metroliner regional commuter aircraft which offers a quality of service akin to the private charter experience. Fares start from £49.95 including all taxes and charges and a combined baggage allowance of up to 20 kilos per person.

Noel Hayes, Chairman of Manx2.com said: "We have witnessed significant changes in the aviation industry this year with overall passenger numbers declining and many airlines either restructuring or going into liquidation. Whilst challenging for the industry, these changes have presented opportunities for smaller companies like our own which are nimble enough to respond successfully to these fast-moving market dynamics."

"One such dynamic is capitalising and growing our Northern Ireland operation to introduce Belfast City Airport as our key hub. Our regular passenger surveys confirm that our commuter routes, such as our new twice daily service to Cork, are very well suited to this airport, where speed of transit through the terminal and fast access to the city centre are seen as key benefits."

Katy Best, Business Development Director at George Best Belfast City Airport said: "We are delighted with Manx2.com's expansion in Belfast City Airport and to once again to offer a route to Cork. Cork is a very popular route, particularly with our business passengers and it is important that this link to the South of Ireland has been re-established. Belfast City Airport is currently the fastest growing airport in the UK year to date, and this new route from Manx2 is welcome news for our growing passenger base."

Cork Airport Aviation Marketing Manager Kevin Cullinane said: "Following the recent introduction of a weekend service between Cork and Galway with Manx2.com, we are very pleased to see a further commitment to Cork with today's announcement of a resumption of a double daily service between Cork and Belfast. This commitment comes during a difficult economic climate and the increased services to both Galway and Belfast show the importance of inter-city connectivity between the major cities on the island of Ireland."

Manx2.com employs 60 staff and has a fleet of seven aircraft providing up to 30 flights a day to the Isle of Man. Manx2.com is proud to be a small Isle of Man based company carrying 100,000 passengers a year between the Isle of Man and Blackpool, Belfast, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Gloucester and Jersey. It has recently been voted the Island's best small company for the second time in three years at the annual IOM Newspapers Excellence Awards.