Flybe will started operating its first direct flights between Exeter and Rennes on Tuesday 8th May. The two cities were twinned over 50 years ago and to celebrate the airline flew two twinning passengers to the French airport and two passengers to Devon on the inaugural flights.
There was a welcoming reception at Exeter International Airport with tea and a celebratory cake available for the twinning committee and passengers. Isabelle Guillaume-Tariel and Chantal Tiriault from the Rennes Twinning Association who were on the first flight were greeted by Brenda Kite who represented the Exeter Twinning Association and Niall Duffy from flybe.
Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is packed with bars, bistros and bookshops.The town has a grand Neo-classical layout featuring some outstanding architecture and is well known for its music festivals.
Spokesman for Exeter International Airport, Stephen Ayres said, “This is a great day, not just for the twinning groups, but for the all those of the South West who would like to experience a wonderful part of France.We hope that the flights, which are operating three times a week, will prove very popular.”
