A contract has been issued by Cornwall County Council for the operation of a public service obligation (PSO) by British Airways air route between Newquay (NQY) and Heathrow (LHR) airports.

The sum involved is £875,000 for seven months from 23 July but it does not state the frequency nor the aircraft type involved.  It does say in the paperwork that it was the only compliant bid involved although this is disputed.

The notification was not put on the Department for Transport website although the route/operator has to be sanctioned by the Secretary of State.  There appears to be no sanctions if BA reduces the frequencies, or even stops the route for a period during the winter months.

The single service is now under way and in August will not operate on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with no continuity in the daily flight times.  Connections to other Heathrow flights from T5 will not be easy, and T2 even more so.

The former London City Airport Aviation Director Peter Downes has now joined NQY airport as Chief Executive. “The London route forms the cornerstone of our recovery strategy at Cornwall Airport Newquay. In securing a British Airways service to Heathrow, I’m confident we have the fantastic airline partner and London gateway that Cornwall deserves.”

Flybe flew four times daily to Heathrow.  A local hotelier said that BA must up the frequency and be consistent with the timing. “It’s a business route through the winter.”

http://bidstats.uk/tenders/2020/W30/731447424