DURHAM Tees Valley Airport has been boosted by a confirmation of support from its most important airline partner following a rise in passenger numbers. 

After the positive results from the World on Your Doorstep marketing campaign launched jointly by the airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines last year, a second phase is now underway.

Since the launch of the campaign in May, there have been month-on-month increases in passenger numbers transported from Durham Tees Valley to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the airport said, a performance which has been welcomed by both airport and airline chiefs.

Airport Chairman Robert Hough, said: “The long-standing commitment of KLM to Durham Tees Valley and the importance of their service to the area’s economy is one of our most important assets. We worked with the airline to develop the joint marketing campaign aimed at highlighting that, wherever you want to be in the world, whether for business or leisure, you can get there with KLM from Durham Tees Valley.

“We are pleased that since the launch of the campaign there has been a steady improvement on the route and we are aiming to reinforce that progress through the second phase now underway.

“This will involve a range of activities, including press, social media, travel agent partnerships and events."

Vincent Kas, Commercial Director for Air France-KLM UK and Ireland, said: “We have been encouraged by the positive approach taken by the current management team at Durham Tees Valley. Throughout the preparations for the launch and implementation of our joint marketing campaign we have been impressed by the professionalism and approach shown at all levels.

 

"The campaign has had a positive impact on our performance on the Durham Tees Valley-Amsterdam route with passenger numbers to Amsterdam increasing compared to previous year. This has been particularly impressive given the turnaround time and the speed in which we have been able to achieve this. Whereas we feel we can grow the long haul segment even more, this trend has also improved. Overall load factors ended higher than the previous year.

"We firmly believe that the key for both KLM and the airport is for us to continue building on the progress we have made in recent months with the shared objective of making Durham Tees Valley and the route to Amsterdam the first choice for both business and leisure customers wanting to reach destinations across the globe.”

KLM runs three daily flights from Durham Tees Valley to international transport hub Amsterdam.