New London City Airport route from October
The Exeter-based airline will offer a 'three times daily' service and the new schedule, with a flight time of just 70 minutes, will see the first flight arrive at London City before the first commuter train into Paddington.
London City Airport is conveniently located in the heart of the financial capital with Docklands Light Railway connections every ten minutes, so passengers can be in Canary Wharf in just 12 minutes.
Exeter Airport's owner Sir Peter Rigby, said: "This route announcement further cements Exeter Airport's vital role in connecting the heart of the South West and driving the regional economy. The link to London City in particular is a hugely welcome development, especially following the disruption we have seen to the rail network, and we know the ability to connect swiftly into the heart of London will be warmly received by the business community."
Matt Roach, Exeter Airport's Managing Director added: "We welcome this excellent news of a new route from Exeter which will benefit the whole of the South West and we wish the airline every success. Our customer feedback has for many years had a link to London at the top of the wishlist, so we would expect that Flybe's new service to the centre of the capital will be well supported."
The Exeter - London flight times are:
EXT 0640 > LCY 0800 - LCY 0830 > EXT 0945
EXT 1450 > LCY 1610 - LCY 1640 > EXT 1755
EXT 1840 > LCY 2000 - LCY 2030 > EXT 2145
One way fares from Exeter including taxes and charges start from £34.99 and are on sale now at flybe.com
The new route will bring the total number of direct destinations offered by Flybe from Exeter to 18. Flybe has today also announced services from London City to Edinburgh, Inverness, Dublin and Belfast City
Saad Hammad, Flybe's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Today's news is a significant landmark in the re-birth of Flybe. As a proudly based Exeter business, we're delighted to be able to give our Devon customers what they have long been asking for - direct flights from Exeter right into the very heart of London.
"We have taken into consideration how appealing London City is for biness travellers looking to be in central London in time for morning meetings, as well as getting home in time to put the kids to bed.
"Flybe is today already connecting over 7 million passengers a year throughout the UK and Europe. With this first ever new major London connection from Exeter, we are not only cementing our position as Europe's largest regional airline but also upholding our customer promise to be quicker than rail or road - 'The Fastest Way from A to Flybe'."
Flybe expects the affordable new route will appeal particularly to those travelling for business to and from the City of London and Canary Wharf whose travel plans are time-critical and who will appreciate the convenience and very significant reduction in travel times.
Flybe is also aiming to Europe's most punctual airline. It recently launched a new world-first 60:60 guarantee that promises its customers if a flight arrives more than 60 minutes' late at its destination due to a delay within Flybe's control, they will qualify for a £60 voucher towards their next flight as long as they book within 60 days.