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If new low cost flights between Newquay airport and the Costa del Sol are successful the opportunity could arise for flights to Italy and Portugal. Last Thursday Monarch announced plans to run three flights a weeks between Newquay and Malaga starting in November, but company managing director Tim Jeans, who is also responsible for bringing Ryanair to Newquay, said these are just the beginning.He said: "Cornwall attracts millions of tourists each year, so just as low cost airlines have opened up vast areas of Spain, Italy and France to the Brits, Monarch Scheduled is doing the same in reverse for Spanish tourists and if this is successful could spread to other destination which we operate from like Italy and Portugal."The regional tourism authorities are right behind us and can't wait for the arrival of our Spanish passengers, which is great news for the people of Cornwall who'll have great low fares on their doorstep."The flights to the Costa del Sol could result in as many as 50,000 additional passengers, a huge boost for the airport and the economy.Mr Jeans said: "We estimate these will create an extra 50 to 100 jobs and it is likely Newquay airport will look at employing more operations people, from baggage handlers to staff who refuel the planes."Airport director Graham Jackson said: "We are highly delighted to have secured this service by one of the most respected and long established airlines in the industry. We are also very pleased this service makes the airport truly international."Welcoming the flights, Andrew Mitchell of Cornwall County Council said: "They provide further proof Newquay Cornwall Airport is commercially attractive and has the backing of local businesses and the tourist industry. I am sure links to Malaga will prove popular for inbound and outbound visitors and, I hope, other airlines will follow the example of Monarch and come to Newquay."Newquay's air network is now growing very rapidly indeed and I am sure this growth will help us in our discussions with the Government about the future of the airport."
The flights are on sale at www.flymonarch.com
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