easyJet, Europe's leading low cost airline, has today (6 April 2005) announced it will be introducing a new route from Inverness to Bristol, increasing the choice of routes from Inverness Airport to four, with eight daily flights.

The daily service commences on Thursday 7 July 2005 and is in addition to the new service from Inverness to Belfast which commences on 1 July. The airline already operates services to Gatwick and Luton airports in London from the Highlands’ hub airport.

easyJet is doubling its capacity at Inverness Airport and expects to carry over 350,000 passengers in the first 12 months.

The route is expected to be popular with business and leisure travellers alike, providing easier and low cost access to historic Bristol, the Roman Spa town of Bath, South Wales and for the more adventurous Devon and Cornwall.  Whilst Bristol is also the gateway to the commercial centres in the region, such as Swindon.

The daily service is also expected to help boost business links and tourism in the Highlands, providing an increase in travellers from the South West visiting the region.

Seats are available from £17.99 one way (£30.98 return inc taxes) and are on sale at www.easyjet.com today.

Ray Webster, easyJet Chief Executive, commented: "Today is an exciting day for easyJet. With the introduction of a fourth destination from Inverness, not offered by any other airline, we can give consumers from the Highlands the opportunity to explore the South West of England at our famous low fares.”

James Walton, Inverness Airport manager with HIAL, said: “easyJet’s announcement is excellent news for the region and will open up new opportunities for leisure and business travel and inbound tourism.”

Bristol to Inverness daily from 7 July 2005

£17.99 Single (£30.98 return including tax)

ENDS