Thomsonfly launches Robin Hood Doncaster Airport

28.04.2005 Travellers arrived at the brand new Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield early this morning (28 April) to board the airport’s first ever passenger flight - the 09:15 Thomsonfly.com flight to Palma, Majorca.

Mayor of Doncaster Martin Winter joined other specially invited guests to celebrate the historic flight take off at a celebratory event.

Another three Thomsonfly flights will take off throughout the day with more than hundreds of people due to travel to Faro, Alicante and Malaga.

Since flights went on sale back in December last year tickets have been selling rapidly, now exceeding 220,000 passenger sectors. Thomsonfly.com anticipates it will book over 350,000 customers through Robin Hood airport within the first twelve months.

From today Thomsonfly will operate flights to eleven destinations - Palma, Pisa, Prague, Paris, Ibiza, Alicante, Malaga, Valencia, Dublin, Jersey and Faro throughout the summer season. Flights for this summer start at only £14.99 (one way including taxes and charges) and can be booked here at Thomsonflycom or on 0870 1900 737.

Hayley Kirkby (24), a new recruit for the new Thomsonfly cabin crew team from Clarborough, said: “This is a really special day. Being from the region myself it’s great to be able to fly from our new local airport and it feels amazing to be a part of such an important day for the local area.”

As well as the low fares operation, Thomson is also preparing to begin flights to a range of sunshine holiday resorts from 1 May. Fifteen popular holiday destinations will be available from the airport including Majorca, Minorca, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Las Palmas, Ibiza, Portugal, Tenerife, Naples, Malta, Corfu, Rhodes, Cyprus and Venice.

Alex Hunter, Thomsonfly chief commercial officer, said: “This is a great day for us and the people in Yorkshire and surrounding areas. Booking show that there is a huge demand in the area for a low fares flight service to European cities and holiday resorts. The airport terminal looks superb and I know people are going to really enjoy the experience of flying from here.”

Peter Rothwell, Thomson managing director, said: “We are making huge changes to our business to reflect the way people travel today. And part of that change that means offering a much wider range of holidays and short breaks from airports which are easy to get to and from. Our partnership with Robin Hood airport means that we have been able to take advantage of a real gap in the market. We have already committed to expanding our range of destinations for next year - long-haul flights to the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Florida go on sale today along with a additional range of European holiday resorts.“

Thomsonfly is basing three Boeing 737-300 aircraft at Robin Hood Airport to operate low cost flights thoughout the summer. In addition a 737-800 aircraft will also be based there to operate holiday flights between May and October 2005.

For more information about the low fares scheduled airline browse this website or call the call centre on 0870 1900 737.

To book a Thomson holiday from Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield call Thomson on 0870 550 2555, or click here.