Cityjet cancels London-Cork service on poor demand

Cityjet said on Thursday that it is to discontinue its new service from Cork to London City Airport on the back of poor demand. The service, which was only introduced last October, is set to cease operating from June 26th.

CityJet's executive chairman Pat Byrne said the decision was taken for commercial reasons.

“In contrast to what we believed to be well-founded optimism when we launched this route last year, we are faced with the reality that demand for this service has simply not taken hold in terms of sustainable commercial viability,” he said, adding that the route has not been able achieve passenger load factor and average fare targets .

“ Consequently, our 18 weekly flights failed to gain a market foothold sufficiently to ensure a continuity of this service. This is despite strong and appreciated support from Cork Airport and business organisations in the region, in addition to a significant investment in marketing of the route,” he said, adding, “The message is clear that the demand for this service is just not there in sufficient volume and at a sustainable price. I am convinced that there are good potential opportunities for CityJet at Cork and we will continue to assess the market in the region and pursue other opportunities if and when they arise.”

Cityjet will continue to operate its new summer routes form Cork to La Rochelle and Nantes and its charter series to Menorca, and the airline said that there are “potentially viable routes” to other European destinations which could prove “particularly attractive”.

The airline said that it will be in direct contact with all affected passengers who will be entitled to a full refund.