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September 27, 1999


Internal flights challenge UK railway

TRANSPORT competition between the UK's embattled train operators and airlines hots up at the end of September when direct flights start between Sheffield in South Yorkshire and London City airport.

The flights, operated by British Regional Airlines, take on rail services to London run by Midland Mainline - but the train operating company said they do not yet see flights as a threat to their business, even though the airfare will directly challenge first class rail prices.

"We will be keeping an eye on it and see what effect is has," said a spokeswoman for Midland Mainline.

British Regional Airlines will provide three flights a day in reach direction using 29-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 41 aircraft, although they plan to use larger aircraft "as soon as there is commercial demand".

The flights are part of a larger expansion of Sheffield airport, creating 25 jobs.

Midland Mainline have been striving to improve train services on the route through Derby, Leicester and Nottingham to London by introducing additional services and train units.

The flagship service from Sheffield to London - the "Master Cutler" - now completes the journey in less than two hours.

The flights are the first "British Airways branded" services into London City Airport.

"This is a great step forward for our domestic network and it will goive passengers to an from Sheffield a great set of international connections as well as a superb link to the centre of London," said London City Airport managing director Richard Gooding.

Sheffield MP and minister for the regions Richard Caborn said: "The development of regional airports and regional air services is very much part of this Government's policy and this is a perfect example of the demand for air travel being satisfied where the demand arises in the regions."