David Pegler (left), Chief Executive, ExCeL London and Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman, CityJet.
One of Europe’s leading regional airlines is to team up with the UK’s top convention and exhibition centre in a partnership that will provide unrivalled access and facilities in the growing events market.
CityJet, one of the largest airlines serving London City Airport with a reach across leading cities in Europe, has signed a two year commercial deal to become The Official Airline Partner of ExCeL London, the capital’s international convention and exhibition centre.
The new partnership was announced at a joint press conference hosted by David Pegler, CEO of ExCeL London, and Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman of CityJet.
The deal furthers ExCeL’s strategic vision to offer end-to-end event solutions and facilitate event organization and participation. The partnership will provide ExCeL London’s organiser clients, exhibitors and visitors with the benefits of competitive air pricing on CityJet’s CityFlex and CityPremium fare classes. In addition, ExCeL will be able to arrange charter flights for groups travelling from cities not currently served by the CityJet network.
David Pegler, CEO of ExCeL London, said: “Our partnership with CityJet is another example of how we put the needs of our customers at the heart of everything we do. The proximity between London City Airport and ExCeL makes CityJet a natural airline ally, helping to attract both exhibitors and visitors. Our partnership is all about connecting people and creating new possibilities, and through our shared focus on outstanding customer experience we look forward to enabling great event outcomes in 2016.”
Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman of CityJet said: “I’m really looking forward to working closely with business event organisers and the conference travel trade. It’s an exciting time for both us and ExCeL London and this is an ideal fit and a perfect marriage between two dynamic businesses with similar ambitions for the future.”
Declan Collier, CEO of London City Airport, said: “ExCeL London’s success in attracting international convention business sees a large number of its visitors travelling through London City Airport. ExCeL and CityJet share the airport’s view that business travellers want speed, punctuality and a stand-out experience. This new partnership will help extend that offer beyond the flight and the airport, to the venue, to create a connected, end-to-end journey.”
The partnership agreement also includes the co-branding of CityJet’s owned aircraft with the Official Airline Partner of ExCeL emblem. CityJet will also activate its brand within the ExCeL venue.
CityJet’s expansion plans could see its recently rebranded fleet grow from 18 up to 29 aircraft over the next two years. The airline recently announced the acquisition of 15 Sukhoi Superjets 100 to commence delivery in 2016. It also launched a new route between London City Airport and Cork last October, offering 18 flights weekly.