Cardiff to Anglesey air link contract

THE airline running the air link between Cardiff and Anglesey has been awarded a new contract.

Eastern Airways, part of the Flybe group, have successfully run the service for nearly two years and the economy and transport Minister, Ken Skates awarded the new contract.

Before then the service had been dogged by problems and continues to be criticised for the cost of subsidising the route.

Under Eastern passenger numbers have increased 40%.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “Wales needs to be better connected. Eastern Airways shares our ambitions to significantly grow the route over the next four years. I hope this will include Eastern Airways operating its Jetstream 41 at the full capacity of 29 seats, offering almost 50% more seats than it is currently able to offer.

“This increase would be subject to the UK Government supporting the reclassification of Anglesey Airport. This would enable the full capacity utilisation of the larger aircraft helping bring exciting growth opportunities to the region.

“With increased efficiencies and higher yield due to additional passenger revenue, this increase in capacity would see a reduction in the subsidy over the four years of the contract when compared to continuing with a 19 seat operation.”