VLM Airlines launched the non-stop service between Luxembourg and London City Airport on 18th November 1998. Thus, VLM Airlines became the first airline to operate a direct connection between these two major European financial centres. The route was initially operated in partnership with Luxair. In 2003, the year VLM Airlines carrier started flying this route independently, the airline carried 33,567 passengers.
Since then the passenger figures have risen gradually. Last year, the number of passengers carried almost doubled (61,372 passengers) in comparison with the passenger number of 2003. It is expected that, despite the difficulties in the financial sector and the economic crisis, VLM Airlines will carry about 65,000 passengers or again 5% more customers in 2008 from Luxembourg to London City Airport. London City is the only airport, which is conveniently located close to the centre of London.
Loyal and satisfied customers
Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines, commented at a press conference in Luxembourg today: “From the start of our operations in Luxembourg, we could rely on a loyal and steadily growing customer basis, which frequently uses our services to commute fast and efficiently between these two European capitals. In addition, passengers on these flights can make quick and convenient connections at London City to VLM Airlines’ services to Manchester from Luxembourg. Business passengers are able to have a full day’s work in Manchester and return the same day, allowing them to be home in the evening and save on hotel expenditures”.
He added: “We are extremely proud of the results we have attained in Luxembourg so far. Recent customer satisfaction figures show that our customers here – of who most are business travellers – strongly appreciate the high quality service and the punctuality of our flights. We look forward to offering the same impeccable service to our customers in the next decade”.
VLM Airlines now offers three daily return flights every weekday on this route, along with one flight on Saturday and two every Sunday.
VLM Airlines commenced operations in 1993. It currently offers flights from London City to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Luxembourg, Manchester and Rotterdam. Direct flights are also offered from Manchester to both Antwerp and Rotterdam, and between Rotterdam and Hamburg. During the summer direct flights are operated from Rotterdam to Jersey. VLM Airlines also operates charter flights to various European destinations.
In 2007 the company recorded its tenth consecutive year of profitability. VLM Airlines currently employs over 425 people. In 2007 the number of passengers on VLM Airlines’ flights rose by 9% compared to 2006 to over 745,000 passengers.
Since December 2007 VLM Airlines is a member of the Air France – KLM Group.