Flybe has launched a new Newquay flight from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Flybe’s new route between Leeds Bradford Airport and Cornwall Airport Newquay officially launched on October 28.

Operating for the first time as part of Flybe’s 2016-17 winter schedule, the three times weekly service has been made possible thanks to the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

Nigel Eaton of RHS Garden Harlow Carr travelled to Newquay on the inaugural flight to present a white rose to the Eden Project, with the Eden Project’s managing director, Gordon Seabright, who reciprocated with a ‘China Clay’ Camellia.

Judith Donovan CBE, non-executive chair of the Eden Project, chair of the tourism partnership destination dales and a former chair of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, was also invited on the first ever flight.

Donovan commented: “Cornwall and Yorkshire are two of the most distinct and celebrated places in the UK. This new flight will help forge stronger bonds between them and provide a great service for leisure visitors and the business communities.”

Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad said: “It is fantastic to see Flybe launch this new direct air service between Leeds Bradford Airport and Newquay. Passengers and businesses will benefit from faster journeys, while trade and tourism opportunities will be opened up in Yorkshire and Cornwall.

“the Government is driving investment”

“By supporting new regional air routes, the Government is driving investment and boosting growth across the whole of the UK.”

Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s chief revenue officer, added: “With a scheduled flight time of just one hour and 20 minutes, Flybe is delighted to give its regional customers a convenient, alternate option to an otherwise six hour drive or eight hour train journey to and from Cornwall.

“This is another perfect example of the importance of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund’s role in encouraging and supporting the UK regions and perfectly dovetails with Flybe’s commitment to connecting the UK regions ‘Faster than Road or Rail’.”