First Choice to scrap Cardiff Airport flights
25.04.07
More than 50 jobs are at risk at Cardiff Airport after First Choice said it was scrapping its flights from the airport next year. The airline is planning to open a new base at Exeter Airport, however, and hopes that some staff will move to this airport.
First Choice has announced that it is reducing its aircraft fleet by one for summer 2008 and ending its 'flying programme' from Cardiff in November of next year. A spokesman for First Choice said the airline would try to secure work for the 51 Cardiff employees at a new base opening in Exeter from November of this year.
The spokesman said: 'Like all businesses, we constantly review the profitability of our operations and look to run profitable year-round aircraft bases. Following a long-term, thorough review, we have decided to reduce our aircraft fleet by one aircraft for summer 2008 and end our Cardiff flying programme from 1 November 2007.'
The spokesman added that the new base was being opened in Exeter 'in line with increased customer demand' for flights from the airport.
A spokesman for Cardiff Airport said First Choice holidays could still be available from other airlines based at the airport. He added: 'We are watching this with interest but are not concerned at the present moment. We do not feel there will be a net loss of jobs or destinations at the airport.'
Just as the last 10 years saw an increase in airlines offering flights from regional airports, we may be beginning to see a trend of airlines closing these bases. In addition to this decision by First Choice, Flybe recently closed its base a Bristol Airport.
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