On 15 May 1993, 25 years ago, VLM operated its first scheduled flight from Antwerp to London City Airport. This morning the 25th anniversary of the route was celebrated at London City Airport in the presence of a delegation of VLM and management and staff of the airport. All passengers on the London City Airport- Antwerp route today were offered a special “25 years Antwerp-London City” box with delicious chocolates from the famous Antwerp master chocolate maker Erik Goossens.
From 1993 to 2008 VLM operated flights on the route between Antwerp and London’s airport in the eastern part of the London Docklands. In 2008, CityJet took over the route. Last year, CityJet announced that it would discontinue its activities on the route. As a result, VLM decided to fly the historic route again from 30th October 2017, to ensure continuity on this very important business route between Antwerp and the British capital.
Richard Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport said: “In the 25 years that London City Airport has served Antwerp, this Belgian gem of a city has continued to broaden its appeal and gain a deserved reputation for culture, commerce and style. VLM Airlines has been intrinsic to the success of this route, connecting passengers conveniently between London City Airport and Antwerp up to three times daily. As we celebrate a quarter century of connectivity we sincerely thank VLM Airlines for their contribution and look forward to more business passengers enjoying VLM’s great service, and leisure passengers discovering Antwerp, from London’s most centrally-located airport.”
Marcel Buelens, CEO of Antwerp Airport, added: “Since 1993, VLM, Cityjet and again VLM have been serving the route between Antwerp and the financial heart of London. How many business deals were closed and what amount of economic value was created thanks to this connection? How many business people have struck the deal of their life thanks to this route? How many jobs were created? We will never know it in detail, but one thing is certain: we keep on flying!”
Konstantijn Huys, Commercial Director at VLM, stated: “The Antwerp-London City Airport route is by far the fastest travel solution from Flanders or the South of the Netherlands for business travellers, tourists and passengers visiting friends or family in London. Both Antwerp and London City Airport have two very important assets: the short check-in times and their proximity to the city centre.”
On weekdays VLM operates up to 3 rotations per day on the route Antwerp-London City Airport. On Sundays, there is one return flight.
Passengers travelling to central London can use the Docklands Light Railway from London City Airport. It leads directly to the underground station Bank in the City and also connects to the Jubilee Line for Canary Wharf and destinations in London’s west end.
London City Airport is the most centrally-located airport in London and is in use since 1987. The 1650 meter runway was built on a narrow strip between two former harbour docks (the Royal Albert Dock and the King George V Dock) on the River Thames.
[…] times per week. As from Summer 2023, a fifth flight will be added. During 25 years, the route was operated by VLM Airlines. Air Antwerp discontinued the route at the end of […]
[…] times per week. As from Summer 2023, a fifth flight will be added. During 25 years, the route was operated by VLM Airlines. Air Antwerp discontinued the route at the end of […]