DTVA secure service to south.

DURHAM Tees Valley Airport has given local business travellers a surprise boost by securing a new service to Southampton. From Monday, November 2, regional airline Eastern Airways will launch a two flights per weekday service from Tees Valley.

The route will give local firms quick access to several key industry sectors on the south coast including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, offshore and marine.

Based there are some of the world's most influential companies including Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, BP and Motorola.

The news will be a welcome boost for DTVA, which has been rocked by a series of route cancellations - including the vital bmi service to Heathrow.

DTVA director, Kerry Quinn, called for local firms to "actively support the service" to help the airport in its quest to secure further schedules.

Business leaders have hailed the new service as a shot in the arm for local industry. Stillington engineering firm Darchem said it was "a dream alternative" to the "horror story" of travelling to the south coast by rail or road.

MD Graham Payne said: "It's of use to us - we have defence-related and oil and gas customers in that particular area."

Weekday flights will depart from Durham Tees Valley at 6.45am and 4.55pm, landing in Southampton at 8.40am and 6.50pm. Services leave Southampton at 9.10am and 7.20pm, arriving in Durham Tees Valley at 10.55am and 9.05pm.