First route to France from Eastern Airways takes off

Eastern Airways launched its first route to France yesterday (November 15) with its latest service departing from Southampton International Airport to Angers Loire.

The three times a week service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with flights leaving Southampton at 11.05am, arriving at Angers Loire at 1.20pm. Return flights head out of Angers Loire at 1.45pm, landing in Southampton at 2.05pm.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: "This is a major milestone in Eastern Airways’ history. "We introduced our first international route in 2005 from Southampton to Brussels and this launch is our first French connection, also from the south coast of England.

"Angers is in the heart of the Loire Valley, and this service will not only appeal to holidaymakers, but also those travelling on business as the region is renowned for its wine production, truck manufacturing, liqueur, tourism and technology industries."

Jan Halliday, of Southampton International Airport, said the new route would benefit those at both ends of the link, but also enable those travelling inbound to Hampshire to take advantage of the tourist attractions on offer in the region.

This is the sixth route to be launched from Southampton by Eastern Airways, and joins its services to Brussels, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford and Inverness.

© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty