New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
Varsity Express makes Newcastle second destination from Oxford
Varsity Express is to offer a second week-daily service to Edinburgh from London Oxford Airport from 5 April, and will add a second destination, Newcastle, as an intermediate stop.
Flights will run from Monday to Friday, with introductory fares from £49 one way, including taxes and charges. The first outbound flight from Oxford will depart at 0800 and arrive in Edinburgh at 0930. The return will leave Edinburgh at 1000 and arrive in Newcastle at 1030 before continuing at 1045 to Oxford where it will arrive at 1200.
The afternoon service will depart Oxford at 1430 and arrive in Newcastle at 1545, before leaving there at 1600 to fly on to Edinburgh where it will arrive at 1630. The aircraft will then fly direct to Oxford, leaving Edinburgh at 1730, anding at Oxford at 1900.
All Varsity flights will be operated with BAE Jetstream 31 aircraft and the company is close to finalising the use of a second aircraft. Both will be based at London Oxford Airport, where Varsity is taking office space.
“We are delighted to be announcing a second UK route,” remarked Varsity Express director Martin Halstead. “Newcastle is a popular university city and we expect a good mix of business travellers, many from the automotive industry and VFR and leisure traffic.”
Onboard Varsity will offer a business class style service, with all-leather seating, serving complimentary tea, coffee and water, plus a small snack. There will be a range of other onboard refreshments available to purchase on board, including soft and alcoholic drinks, all served by an inflight attendant. The aircraft is on the AOC of Humberside-based LinksAir. Flying crew will be provided by Varsity.
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