Oxford, Monday 21st March: Not since the 1930’s has it been possible to fly between the two great cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Today marks a new chapter in aviation history when 18-year old Martin Halstead launches Alpha 1 Airways, a dedicated commercial airline operating two return flights each day between Oxford and Cambridge. With fares costing up to £49.00 for a one-way trip, the flight will take a mere 20 minutes, with a 10 minute check in time, as opposed to the typically three hours by train or up to four hours by road.

Hailed as the next Richard Branson (also an Oxfordshire resident), Martin Halstead’s passion for aviation led him to abandon his A-levels when he was offered a place at Oxford Aviation Training School, where he studied for his air transport pilots licence. Using a small inheritance and proceeds from an earlier business venture, he set up Alpha 1 Airways. The first flight will take off from Oxford Airport at 7.30am on Monday 18th April and arrive at Cambridge Airport at 7.50am.

“Since my first flight at the age of six, I wanted a career in aviation,” says Halstead who has worked in the aviation sector since the age of 14. “Living and working in Oxford, I meet many people who travel to and from Cambridge and having done it myself, I know what a nightmare journey it is. With the help of my partners at both airports and the great team I have behind me at Alpha1, I believe we will provide a much needed service to both communities, offering an affordable, comfortable and regular alternative to current over land links”

Alpha 1 Airways will use aircraft from a pool of 8 from the experienced Oxford-based operator AirMed, who will also crew the flights. Initially the eight seat Piper Navajo Chieftain will be used, but more aircraft or a larger 19-seat turbo-prop could be made available should there be a greater demand for tickets. “This is only the beginning” says Halstead “The UK needs to catch up with markets like the United States where short commuter services are common place, hopefully Alpha1 and AirMed can lead the way.”

Scores of academics, businessmen and students travel regularly between the two cities - 65 miles apart as the crow flies, but up to 118 miles by road - but most have to endure gridlock on the A34 and the impossible A14 or a tedious train journey with two changes in London. The flights will not only offer speed and efficiency but will allow passengers to have a full day working without the additional costs of an overnight stay with fares in fact often costing less than other forms of transport.

Apart from its usefulness to academics and business travellers, this service would enable tourists to see both cities in a day.

Research also shows that most business people travelling between Oxford and Cambridge do so by car. Environmentally, seven people driving would use over 50% more fuel than that consumed on a 20 minute Alpha 1 flight.

James Dillon Godfray, Head of Marketing and Development at Oxford Airport is keenly aware of the need for the new airline. “There are 4.5 billion miles travelled by motorists on the roads of Oxfordshire each year and this is set to grow by another 50 million miles year on year,” he says. “Alpha 1 Airways will be a lifeline for those who need to travel between the two cities whilst those who have dismissed regular trips until now due to the sheer inconvenience may well have second thoughts today.”

From Cambridge City Airport’s point of view, the flights mark a return to the 1930’s and 40’s when flights were available to Oxford taking such passengers as Graeme Greene, who when living in Oxford, used the service regularly to visit his mistress in Cambridge! “We are delighted to welcome Alpha 1 Airways to Cambridge City Airport. Marshall first operated this service in the 1930’s so we know this route extremely well and how valuable it will be. We wish this exciting young airline every success,” says Terry Holloway, Group Support Executive at Cambridge City Airport.

Passengers will be offered refreshments as they check in and a complimentary bus service will be available at both ends to the city centres.

Martin Halstead, James Dillon Godfray and Terry Holloway are available for interview.

For further information please call;

Janie New - JNPR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7704 2925
Mob: + 44 (0) 7831 341 836
e-mail: janienewpr@aol.com

Notes to Editors

Oxford Airport is best known as Europe’s foremost centre for pilot training playing host to Oxford Aviation Training, formally Oxford Air Training School. Just 40 miles from the outskirts of London, today the airport provides many services to the general aviation community including business aircraft charter, air taxis and shuttles. Oxford’s runway is the same length as London City airport but the Oxford-Cambridge service is the first airline operation since the 1990s as the airport was until recently primarily focused on pilot training with up to 230,000 flight movements a year. Further details can be seen at www.oxfordairport.com

Cambridge City Airport is a regional airport located three miles from the Cambridge University and City. Providing excellent facilities for the business, holiday and recreational traveller.  The runway is capable of accepting most aircraft types, including wide-bodied jets, which includes Boeing 747-400. As a particularly well-equipped Regional Airport, Cambridge City Airport is available to make an important contribution to the future development of air transport in the region. The Airport is of particular importance to Cambridge University for conferences, the support of horse racing at Newmarket, and the bloodstock trade in general. The Airport also supports a wide variety of military test flying, flying training and business flights. www.cambridgecityairport.com