New airline to launch Brighton-Paris flights

A new airline has been launched in the South of England, offering holidaymakers the chance to fly from Brighton to Paris. (Featured image by Benh LIEU SONG)

The new airline, Brighton City Airways, will fly to the City of Love from Shoreham Airport up to four times a day when the service is launched on March 6 2013.

Before you get too excited, the airline will be landing at the Pontoise-Cormeilles Aerodrome – about 16 miles from Paris.

Yet Brighton City Airlines claims that the journey from Brighton city centre to Paris city centre will take two-and-a-half hours – nearly as quick as London-Paris Eurostar journeys and far quicker than flights from Heathrow to the French capital.

The airline puts this down to a combination of the short flight time of just one hour, plus the fact that passengers can check-in just 15 minutes before departure.

Not only that, but passengers will be able to park directly outside the airport’s terminal building and travel in a spacious 19-seater LET-410 UVP aircraft.

Brighton City Airways was set up by adventurer and entrepreneur Neil Laughton, who is sure the new route will appeal to those wanting to avoid central London.

“There must be a million and a half people in Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire for whom the quickest way of reaching Paris involves a trip all the way to St Pancras train station,” he said.

“This has long-term benefits for the local community too as there are many businesses in Sussex who can use this service on a regular basis.”

Flights can be booked now at brightoncityairways.com, with fares ranging from £69 to £180 one-way, including all airport charges.

In another unique move, the airline allows passengers to book in advance for just £20 and pay the rest up to two weeks before the flight. Passengers will also be able to change the name on their ticket up to 48 hours before their flight, completely free of charge.

“Holidaymakers or Paris day-trippers can also make the most of travelling to and from Shoreham’s charming airport, where parking is easy and check in to take-off takes just minutes,” added Mr Laughton.