First Commercial Flights from Oxford in 20 Years

The first passengers to arrive for their holidays were predominantly living just twenty minutes away, so the journey to their local airport should have been less stressful than any options they might have taken in the past. Greeted on arrival by Mike Sparrow, Airport Manager, passengers were given a personal welcome and assisted with their luggage, indeed using Oxford was more akin to checking in at a smart hotel rather than for a flight.

The service is operated by Jersey-based tour operator, C.I. Travel (www.discoverjersey.com) but utilises aircraft provided by the airline Air South West based in Plymouth.

Able to be dropped off by friends or family right next to the terminal entrance, passengers were a mere 100 metres from the aircraft waiting to take them on holiday. The option for priority boarding and the use of the airports VIP lounge was offered for just £5 which included champagne or other refreshments.

After a 50 minute flight, most passengers were walking away from Jersey Airport in less time than it takes to drive to Gatwick, let alone park, check-in and go through security.

Having spent nearly £15m on essential infrastructure enhancements including a new runway, terminal, navigation aids, rescue equipment and security compliance, the airport can now offer the Thames Valley region a local airport capable of taking larger aircraft up to the 78-seat Dash-8-Q400 for the first time.

Although the Jersey service is limited to the summer season, it is now anticipated that further business-oriented scheduled services may be available in the future.

For further information contact:

James Dillon-Godfray
Head of Marketing & Development
Oxford Airport, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1RA
Tel: +44(0)1865 290710
Fax: +44(0)1865 290605
e-mail: info@oxfordairport.co.uk