Vroom for everyone on Isle of Man
Today a TT legend took to the runway at East Midlands Airport to launch the introduction of a direct service to the Isle of Man.
Manx2.com will be offering direct flights between the Isle of Man and East Midlands Airport every day except Saturdays, with fares from £39 (online single including tax).
Richard Quayle is one of only three Manxmen to have won the TT race on home turf. Richard demonstrated what the motorsport is all about by riding an NCT Van Fit Yamaha alongside the Manx2.com Metroliner aircraft as the first flight took off for the Isle of Man.
Richard, also known as the Milky Bar Kid, retired in 2003 after earning his place in the TT history books after winning the TT in 2002 with three Manx Grand Prix races and one Ulster Grand Prix. The Isle of Man, which lies in the Irish Sea, between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, is famed for its TT races, attracting thousands of fans to the island every year.
Caroline Plant, Director of Marketing and Communications, East Midlands Airport, said: "We are anticipating a huge demand for the Isle of Man especially around the Islands major sporting event in May. The launch of this new service will provide motorsport fans and holidaymakers from the region with a convenient daily service.”
James Filleul, Communications Director for Manx2.com said: “Our research has shown a significant demand for flights to the Isle of Man from the East Midlands region, from both business and leisure customers. Equally, East Midlands airport is in an excellent location for Manx customers, and with low fares and frequent flights, we think this is going to be a very successful route”.
Vikki Wellington, the Marketing and Media Sales Manager of Donington Park Leisure Limited said "We are delighted that this route is opening up, as the Isle of Man and Donington Park each have a tremendous pedigree in motorcycle racing - the TT is legend while we are the home of the British round of the World MotoGP Championship and stage both British and World Superbikes and the Motocross of Nations. By using this service, we can enjoy a two way service for bike fans to travel to all of these top events, easing the access from the Island to our circuit, while providing a convenient link from the East Midlands to both the TT and the Manx Grand Prix."
Although motorcycle racing sends crowds of people heading to the Isle of Man, the island is much more than a racetrack. The 33 mile long island, which covers an area of 227 square miles, is packed with coastal towns, ports and resorts and, with 40 per cent of the island uninhabited, an abundance of countryside.
The service is also expected to provide two-way traffic, with Isle of Man residents heading to East Midlands Airport to take advantage of the region’s retail, leisure and education facilities and also recognising that EMA is an ideal connection to over a hundred destinations worldwide.
Manx2.com is taking bookings for the flight through its website, www.manx2.com or by phoning 0871 200 0440
For more information contact:
EMA Press Office
Tel: 0845 108 8542
Email: pressoffice@eastmidlandsairport.com