Astraeus launches flights to Boa Vista
9 May 2007
Astraeus, the independent British airline that pioneered direct flights to the Cape Verde Islands, is to launch a new route to a second island in the group, Boa Vista.
The weekly flight from London-Gatwick to Boa Vista will start on July 10, 2007, and open up direct travel to a new destination in what has been nicknamed the "East Atlantic Caribbean".
The first ever direct flights between the UK and Cape Verde were launched in November 2006 when Astraeus started flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Sal, the main international airport in the group of Atlantic Ocean islands.
The new additional flights will operate from Gatwick, departing Tuesdays at 9.15am, arriving Boa Vista 1.15pm local time, and depart on the return leg from Boa Vista at 2.05pm on Tuesday, calling at the neighbouring island of Sal en route and arriving at Gatwick at 11.15pm local time.
"We've seen passenger numbers grow since the introduction of flights to Cape Verde which necessitates the continuation of two flights to Sal and the introduction of a new service to Boa Vista," said Hugh Parry, Managing Director of Astraeus.
"The launch of the new route to Boa Vista, probably reflects the pent up demand for a new destination such as Cape Verde."
The islands, 400 miles off the west coast of Africa, are roughly the same latitude as the top Caribbean holiday destinations, meaning a comfortable year-round climate, particularly for winter sun-lovers.
The Astraeus flights will be approximately six hours - between two-thirds and half the length of flights to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Florida.
"These islands are rapidly establishing themselves as a new and different destination, with a number of environment-sensitive property and hotel developments taking place throughout the main islands," said Hugh Parry.
"It is, however, a relatively new holiday destination for discerning travellers - but has only previously been accessible by air via southern European or African airports, or by sea."
Current price indications are for London-Boa Vista return at £377 including taxes, fees and charges. Astraeus is working with leading tour operators including Holiday Options to offer package holidays to the islands based around the new direct flights. A number of other holiday companies will shortly be launching programmes to the islands in conjunction with Astraeus.
The ten islands and eight islets gained their independence from Portugal in 1975. There is a population of 440,000 people.
The climate as a whole on the islands is classed as dry tropical with an average temperature ranging between 21C to 31C with water temperatures between 22C and 27C. There are 2 seasons, a dry season between November and July and a comparatively moderate humid season between August and October. Daily sunshine averages 6 to 7 hours between August and October and 10 to 12 hours for the rest of the year.
For full details of Astraeus' new service and how to book, visit www.FlyAstraeus.com or telephone reservations on 01293 579000.
UK independent airline Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs more then 300 people and operates a fleet of Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft from a number of UK airports, flying charter and scheduled route to destinations in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.