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New routes between Poland and Edinburgh announced with Czech Airlines

Posted: 19th June 2015

Czech Airlines, the national carrier of the Czech Republic, will fly two new direct routes to Poland from next month, as well as an additional link to Prague.

From 14 July, the airline will fly directly between Edinburgh and Lodz and Rzeszow and will also operate an indirect service between Edinburgh and Prague via Lodz.

Using an Airbus A319 which will be based in Prague, the new services will commence in mid-July and fly until 24 October. The aircraft will fly Tuesdays and Saturdays between Prague and Edinburgh via Lodz, where there is a 30 minute stopover, it will then fly from Edinburgh to Rzeszow before returning to Edinburgh, Lodz then Prague.

These new flights will offer the strong local Polish community in Edinburgh and indeed tourists from all three countries more choice of how they can travel to and from Edinburgh Airport and a better selection of services.

Both Lodz and Rzeszow have enjoyed economic prosperity over the last few years and are steeped in fascinating history. Their vibrant city centres make the ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “Poland is becoming an increasingly sought after and popular destination for Scottish passengers, whether they’re looking to travel for business or for city breaks.

“We’re delighted Czech Airlines have chosen to operate these routes. The particular rotation of this aircraft means it will visit three different countries in one day, linking our communities and offer passengers more choice of how they can travel.

“These routes will no doubt be welcomed by the local Polish community in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife who rely on us for the convenient links to Eastern European destinations to visit friends and family.
“These routes will also facilitate better cultural links between Edinburgh and regional areas of Poland.”

Ján Tóth, Director for Commerce, Alliances and Marketing at Czech Airlines, said: “We are extremely happy to enter the Scottish market and connect the capital of Scotland with Lodz and Rzeszow by regular scheduled services. Poland is one of the EU’s largest and fastest developing markets with increasing civil aviation transport demand.

“On the other hand, there is a large Polish community living in Edinburgh and its surrounding region. Both markets offer interesting business opportunities we wish to pursue in the future. Our new activities on both markets are in line with Czech Airlines’ strategy of developing its transport network outside its main Prague hub.”

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