The moment I've been waiting for…introducing….

Before you read this, I didn’t write the Press Release!! Oh and for those of you that don’t know, I’m Martin Halstead 😀

So without further a do….may I present….Alpha1 Airways
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Young entrepreneur makes aviation history by launching pioneering airline service.

Monday 21st March

Not since the 1930’s has it been possible to fly between the two great cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Today marks a new chapter in aviation history when 18-year old Martin Halstead launches Alpha 1 Airways, a dedicated commercial airline operating two return flights each day between Oxford and Cambridge. With fares costing up to £49.00 for a one-way trip, the flight will take a mere 20 minutes, with a 10 minute check in time, as opposed to the typically three hours by train or up to four hours by road.

Hailed as the next Richard Branson (also an Oxfordshire resident), Martin Halstead’s passion for aviation led him to abandon his A-levels when he was offered a place at Oxford Aviation Training School, where he studied for his air transport pilots licence. Using a small inheritance and proceeds from an earlier business venture, he set up Alpha 1 Airways.

The first flight will take off from Oxford Airport at 7.30am on Monday 18th April and arrive at Cambridge Airport at 7.50am.

“Since my first flight at the age of six, I wanted a career in aviation,” says Halstead who has worked in the aviation sector since the age of 14. “Living and working in Oxford, I meet many people who travel to and from Cambridge and having done it myself, I know what a nightmare journey it is. With the help of my partners at both airports and the great team I have behind me at Alpha1, I believe we will provide a much needed service to both communities, offering an affordable, comfortable and regular alternative to current over land links”

Alpha 1 Airways will use aircraft from a pool of 8 from the experienced Oxford-based operator AirMed, who will also crew the flights. Initially the eight seat Piper Navajo Chieftain will be used, but more aircraft or a larger 19-seat turbo-prop could be made available should there be a greater demand for tickets. “This is only the beginning” says Halstead “The UK needs to catch up with markets like the United States where short commuter services are common place, hopefully Alpha1 and AirMed can lead the way.”

Scores of academics, businessmen and students travel regularly between the two cities – 65 miles apart as the crow flies, but up to 118 miles by road – but most have to endure gridlock on the A34 and the impossible A14 or a tedious train journey with two changes in London. The flights will not only offer speed and efficiency but will allow passengers to have a full day working without the additional costs of an overnight stay with fares in fact often costing less than other forms of transport.

Apart from its usefulness to academics and business travellers, this service would enable tourists to see both cities in a day.

Research also shows that most business people travelling between Oxford and Cambridge do so by car. Environmentally, seven people driving would use over 50% more fuel than that consumed on a 20 minute Alpha 1 flight.

James Dillon Godfray, Head of Marketing and Development at Oxford Airport is keenly aware of the need for the new airline. “There are 4.5 billion miles travelled by motorists on the roads of Oxfordshire each year and this is set to grow by another 50 million miles year on year,” he says. “Alpha 1 Airways will be a lifeline for those who need to travel between the two cities whilst those who have dismissed regular trips until now due to the sheer inconvenience may well have second thoughts today.”

From Cambridge City Airport’s point of view, the flights mark a return to the 1930’s and 40’s when flights were available to Oxford taking such passengers as Graeme Greene, who when living in Oxford, used the service regularly to visit his mistress in Cambridge! “We are delighted to welcome Alpha 1 Airways to Cambridge City Airport. Marshall first operated this service in the 1930’s so we know this route extremely well and how valuable it will be. We wish this exciting young airline every success,” says Terry Holloway, Group Support Executive at Cambridge City Airport.

Passengers will be offered refreshments as they check in and a complimentary bus service will be available at both ends to the city centres. As a ticketless airline, seats can be booked in advance by ringing a ticket hotline: 08700 42 36 47 or logging on at http://www.flyalpha1.com

Martin Halstead, James Dillon Godfray and Terry Holloway are available for interview.

For further information please call

Janie New JNPR.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7704 2925 Mobile + 44 (0) 7831 341 836 email: [email]janienewpr@aol.com[/email]

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http://www.flyalpha1.com