First Choice said it was scrapping its flights from Cardiff airport next year. More than 50 jobs are at risk at the airport as a result of the move, but the airline is planning to open a new base at Exeter Airport, and hopes that some staff will move with them.
First Choice is reducing its aircraft fleet at Cardiff by one in the summer of 2008, and ending its 'flying programme' from Cardiff in November of next year. A spokesman for the airline said that it would try to secure work for the 51 Cardiff employees at a new base opening in Exeter from November of this year.
The spokesman said: 'Like all businesses, we constantly review the profitability of our operations and look to run profitable year-round aircraft bases. Following a thorough review, we have decided to reduce our aircraft fleet by one aircraft for summer 2008 and end our Cardiff flying programme from 1 November 2008.'
The spokesman added that the new base was being opened in Exeter later this year 'in line with increased customer demand' for flights from the airport.
A spokesman for Cardiff Airport said First Choice holidays could still be available from other airlines at the airport. He added: 'We are not concerned at the moment. We do not feel there will be a net loss of jobs or destinations at the airport.'
Just as the last 10 years saw an increase in airlines offering flights from regional airports, we may be beginning to see a trend of airlines closing there bases, particularly at airports where they have a smaller presence. In addition to this decision by First Choice, Flybe recently closed its base a Bristol Airport.
