BARCELONA/LONDON, July 25th, 2023 – Volotea, one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe, launches its first regular route to the United Kingdom. Starting from November 9th, the airline will operate direct flights between London Gatwick and Strasbourg, offering travellers a convenient and affordable option to explore the Alsace region of France.

With over a decade of experience in the aviation industry, Volotea has firmly established itself as a leading airline, successfully transporting over 50 million passengers to date. The carrier’s latest UK-France connection further expands its extensive network, operating over 400 routes across more than 100 airports. The Barcelona-based airline will offer over 50 flights and a capacity exceeding 9,000 seats on the route for the 2023 winter period, with plans to expand this offer into the summer of 2024. The new connection, operating at a frequency of two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, allows passengers travelling from London Gatwick to conveniently experience Strasbourg's historical charm and cultural riches over a long weekend.

Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, Strasbourg boasts remarkable architecture and a variety of attractions. From a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site to winding paths, picturesque canals, and Europe’s oldest Christmas market, the city effortlessly blends its historic ambiance with modern districts, creating a unique destination that caters to all travelers.

Gabriel Schmilovich, Chief Strategy Officer, Volotea said: “At Volotea, we are committed to opening new routes that provide convenient travel options at competitive prices for our valued customers. We are particularly excited about this route as it marks our first regular connection to the UK, and we are proud to have London Gatwick as our partner on this journey. We are confident this new route will meet customer demands and serve as a stepping stone for potential future connections to Britain.”

Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick added: “We are honoured Volotea has chosen London Gatwick for its first UK service. The airline will offer great value flights to Strasbourg – among Europe’s most beautiful cities – providing passengers across London and the South East with a fantastic new connection from London Gatwick.”

Tickets are now available to book on Volotea’s website at www.volotea.com.

ABOUT VOLOTEA

Volotea was founded in 2011 by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, also previously founders of Vueling.

It is one of the fastest-growing independent airlines in Europe in the last decade, increasing its fleet, routes served, and seats offered year-on-year. This year, the airline has celebrated a milestone of carrying 50 million passengers throughout its network.

Volotea reaches more than 100 airports and is currently based in 19 medium-sized European capitals: Asturias, Athens, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Cagliari, Florence (new in 2023), Hamburg, Lille, Lyon, Lourdes, Marseille, Nantes, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Venice, and Verona.

This year, Volotea will operate more than 400 routes (with over half exclusive), offer close to 12M seats (+41% versus 2019), and fly approximately 70,000 flights. The airline operates a fleet of 41 Airbus A319 and A320.

Volotea is dedicated to sustainable aviation and has committed to reducing 50% of its CO2 emissions per passenger and kilometer by 2030 (versus 2012). To date, Volotea has launched over 50 sustainability initiatives that have already driven a reduction in carbon footprint per passenger and kilometer by more than 45%. Since 2022, the company has been working on developing emission-free alternative technologies, operating Airbus' internal shuttle service with 34% of sustainable aviation fuel, and collaborating with manufacturers and the industry so that these fuels (now difficult to access) can be developed and become widespread as soon as possible. 

Volotea, with a workforce of 1,820 employees, actively boosts connectivity within the territories where it is based, while contributing to their economic development and enriching the cultural landscape through impactful sponsorship projects.

Volotea was recognized by Skytrax in its global passenger satisfaction survey as the “Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe” at the 2023 World Airline Awards, referred to by media around the world as “the Oscars of the aviation industry.” The airline adds this accolade to its growing list of achievements, which includes consecutive wins for "Leading European Low-Cost Airline" at the World Travel Awards in 2021 and 2022.

ABOUT LONDON GATWICK

London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy. More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use.  Vinci Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest.