easyJet today (11^th February) celebrated carrying its 1000^th passenger on its new flight been Inverness and London Gatwick, which launched only a week before.

The 1000th passenger taking off from the Highland capital’s airport to London Gatwick was met by the Phantom of the Opera and presented with tickets to his show at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End.

The Phantom was en-route to London’s West End to take part in the musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre, whose 2003 run has just started

The new Gatwick route operates in addition to easyJet’s Inverness to London Luton route, which currently carries 112,000 passengers a year. The new route will double this figure.

easyJet marketing manager, Moira Findlay said: "People in the Highlands now have two low cost options if they want to go to London, with a choice of north or south London airports. easyJet’s fares start from only £12.50 one way, less than the average ticket price of a West End show, which means that you can save your money to spend when you get there."

Research shows that two-thirds of passengers are visitors, providing a massive boost to tourism in the Highlands and Islands.

She added: "The recent Scottish Parliament enquiry into tourism highlighted the vital role which low cost carriers can play in bringing in more tourists. This new route will ensure that short breaks in the Highlands become even more practical and affordable for many more people in London and the south east."

Bob MacLeod, managing director of HIAL said: "By introducing a low cost route to Gatwick, easyJet will bring thousands more tourists into the Highlands and will offer businesses a choice of low cost routes into London."

By booking now on www.easyJet.com, passengers can get the lowest fares. Fares from Inverness to London Gatwick start from £12.50. Fares from London Gatwick to Inverness start from £17.50 including all taxes.