Business Blog: Flybe to the mo
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Kent has needed a scheduled airline ever since the demise
of EUjet and it's great to welcome Flybe to Manston.
Having recently stepped off the Bombardier aircraft at Manston
after a pleasant couple of days in Edinburgh, I can report that the
total package is excellent.
Manston as an airport beats its bigger rivals hands-down. What a
joy to be able to park your car and walk 100 yards into the
terminal. 60 seconds at most. What a contrast to the remote parking
and hanging around for courtesy buses at Heathrow, Gatwick and
Stansted.
Stress levels only rose when a notice required us to produce a
passport. Oh dear, this was a domestic flight, wasn't it, and
surely the passport was not necessary? Wrong. You need to identify
yourself and the passport is the best way of doing it. But if you
forget, don't despair. If you have a bus pass or press card with a
photo you will be OK. But I'm not sure that a bank credit card
would have worked.
Security was tighter than in Tallinn, where we last boarded a
plane. Shoes had to be removed, which they hadn't in the Estonian
capital.
There were two minor concerns in the departure lounge. Someone
had spelt confectionery with an a - Confectionary - in the shop and
some passengers complained about the absence of newspapers on the
bookstall.
That apart, everyone seemed more than happy. A man from
Folkestone was visiting his niece in Scotland, others were just
going for a holiday break.
The 78-seat aircraft was a bit on the elderly side, but the
cabin service was good. The views of Thanet were superb before we
landed in the Scottish capital just 80 minutes after we took
off.
It was perhaps surprising that so few people in Edinburgh seemed
to be aware of the new Kent connection which had been headline news
in the county. But they will learn. The new service should
stimulate Scottish tourism into Kent, and of course, Kent visitors
to Edinburgh. Business links will also be easier.
Edinburgh is a fascinating city and even if you hear few
Scottish accents in the Tourist Infomation Office, there is plenty
of Scottishness to delight the eye and the senses. I hope the Kent
public support you in droves. And there is a Manchester service to
come in September. Well done Flybe.
Wednesday, June 09 2010
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