New Amsterdam service to take off from Exeter

Five years after the collapse of airline Flybe, air passengers in the South West will again be able to travel to Amsterdam Schiphol from Exeter Airport.

The new service, run by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, began on 30 March, with a single flight to and from the Netherlands capital each day.

Stephen Wiltshire, Exeter Airport's managing director, said the new service was a "game-changer" for travellers in the South West.

Regional travel agents have also welcomed the 88-seater service.

Jenna Carveth, manager of the Redruth branch of Newell's Travel, said: "This new route from Exeter is great as it opens up a lot more opportunity to not only visit Amsterdam but to connect with various locations all over the world.

"Hopefully the more this route is supported the more options will come along in the future."

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines said the service was a major boost to the South West's global connectivity, with hundreds of routes available from the hub airport in Amsterdam.

It said the service could also boost tourism in the United Kingdom.

Jerome Salemi, general manager for UK & Ireland at Air France-KLM, said the response to the new route had been "fantastic".

"Passengers now have access to a vast network of destinations. Equally, we are excited to see strong inbound interest, highlighting the international appeal of the South West."

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