New Airline to offer non-stop service to Germany

14 November 2008

Air links between the Island and mainland Europe will be further strengthened next year as a result of the announcement this week of the launch of a direct scheduled service into Düsseldorf.

Air Berlin will operate a weekly service from Jersey every Saturday as well as offering convenient same day onward connections and through fares to Berlin, Munich and the Austrian capital, Vienna.

The news is a welcome boost for Jersey Airport’s long-term strategy to see more direct routes into continental Europe. The new routes will not only be important for inbound tourism to Jersey but will open up the German and Austrian market to local residents. Assistant Minister for Economic Development with specific responsibility for Jersey Airport, Alan Maclean, said, “This week’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to introduce new air links where possible. Düsseldorf is a vibrant city with an excellent range of facilities to offer visitors. However, for those who want to travel further afield Air Berlin offers convenient connections to other German cities as well as Vienna. I hope the route will be well supported by islanders and visitors and together both Jersey Airport and Jersey Tourism will work hard to ensure the airline’s smooth transition into the Island.”

The route has been established as a result of the need to cater for the demand of the German and Austrian market according to Air Berlin’s Country Manager for the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands, Titus Johnson. He said, “This new Air Berlin service provides efficient incoming tourism access from significant German and Austrian catchments. Additionally, it offers those living and working in Jersey a direct link to Düsseldorf, the Rheinruhr region and further beyond to cities in Germany and Austria.”

Air Berlin is Germany’s second largest airline and flies to more than 120 destinations within Germany, Europe and throughout the world. Although it offers both low cost and flexible fares it continues to be a full service airline with complimentary snacks and refreshments served onboard. It also offers child reductions on air fares. The service will operate on Saturdays, between 16 May and 12 September 2009. Reservations can be made online now at www.airberlin.com which also offers an accommodation booking facility. The Jersey route will be served by a new Bombardier Q400 type aircraft with a seating capacity of 76 passengers.