The result of several months of negotiations between Exeter International Airport and Thomas Cook, one of the world’s leading tour operators, have been revealed today (16 July 2009) with the announcement that a 26 week series of Boeing 757 flights will operate to Dalaman in Turkey from May 2010.
The Thomas Cook 235 seat aircraft which will fly weekly throughout next summer can carry 46 more passengers than the Scottavel service that failed as a result of the company going into administration, at the start of the 2009 season.
Exeter International Airport’s Managing Director, Jamie Christon said, “This more that makes up for the loss of the Scottravel service and we are very pleased to be operating a larger aircraft on this route to Turkey.”
Turkey, which is proving to be a very popular destination for holidaymakers in 2009 due to the favourable exchange rate, has two Exeter flights on the Bodrum and Dalaman routes operated by Thomson Airways. The additional capacity for 2010 should allow many more people from the South West to avoid travelling away from their home area to other airports.
Mr Christon continued, “The Dalaman deal with Thomas Cook comes on the back of the recent announcement that Palmair will operate to Tunisa and Fuerteventura this winter. The level of interest from the travel trade for these holidays has been unprecedented so we are anticipating additional holiday opportunities with the company next year.
“The Thomas Cook and Palmair support for Exeter is a good indicator that the holiday industry is resilient and fully supportive of this airport and our future plans. They are showing commitment to the South West in what has been a financially difficult period.”
