WATCH: Blue Air makes Liverpool John Lennon Airport its first UK base with a very special aircraft

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been a hive of excitement as the team prepared to welcome a very special aircraft to the city on Friday morning.

The weather couldn’t have been better as aviation fans and guests alike flocked to LJLA to be the first to see the Blue Air Boeing 737 aircraft, emblazoned with the infamous Liverpool skyline, music and sport-inspired livery, come in to land. Watch what happened above when the jet took its first flight this morning.

It was standing room only at the terminal windows as the Liverpool-based plane taxied into it’s stand through a traditional water canon ceremony from airport fire crews.

Guests were treated to a thrilling 50 minute presentation flight above the skies of Merseyside, during which Liverpool John Lennon Airport CEO, Andrew Cornish welcomed the new Liverpool crew and spoke about Blue Air’s investment into the city region.

Alongside a brand new aircraft and a dedication to creating more local jobs, Blue Air also announced a new charity partner, Alder Hey Charity to help raise vital funds for innovative new ways to treat and care for young patients.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is Blue Air’s eighth European base and as well as basing the liveried 189 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the airport, the airline has also introduced four new services – a daily departure to Rome Fiumicino, four times weekly to Milan Bergamo, four times weekly to Hamburg and a three times weekly service to Alicante, and also Larnaca in Cyrprus bringing the number of weekly departures to 28.

“We are committed to develop our base in Liverpool to meet everyone’s expectations and I am confident that this route is an important step in strengthening our position within North West England.”

Announcing the airline’s latest development in Liverpool, Blue Air’s CEO, Gheorghe Racaru commented, “Today is a historic moment for both Blue Air and the Liverpool City Region as we launch our eighth base at the airport, adding four routes. In fact, we are putting  three brand new destinations on Liverpool’s route map, by flying directly to the currently unserved cities of Rome, Milan and Hamburg, which are likely to be popular with customers travelling for both business and leisure. Additionally, we will offer the region’s passengers an increased choice with our Alicante service.

Blue Air operates three times a week to Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport and twice weekly services to Bacau and to Cluj. From Summer 2017 Blue Air will also operate a daily departure to Rome Fiumicino, four times weekly to Milan Bergamo, four times weekly to Hamburg, a three times weekly service to Alicante and twice weekly to Larnaca.

Planning a city break or summer holiday? Why not #Flylocal to one of these 8 destinations with Blue Air and Liverpool John Lennon Airport!

1 – Bucharest, Romania

Romania’s capital city is often just as a stepping stone for trips to the more popular Transylvania but we suggest taking your time to explore the vibrant city centre, bursting with energy, great museums, parks and trendy cafes. If you’re into architecture, book one of three weekly, direct flights from LJLA and feast your eyes on the stunning art nouveau villas and 17th century Orthodox churches of Bucharest.

2 – Rome, Italy

Blue Air have filled a destination gap with it’s daily flights to Rome, direct from our very own Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Rome is one of world’s most photogenic cities – not surprising when you consider what’s here: The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum to name a handful. A perfect romantic get away destination or fun, history lesson for all the family. Italy is now more accessible than ever before.

3 – Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, was once said to be ‘The Gateway of the World’ and now you can explore Germany’s second largest city direct from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Home to a vast port, dedicated green spaces, sprawling waterways and more than 100 bars and clubs, Hamburg is now reachable in less than 2 hours, 4 times a week and we hear the shopping is pretty awesome too, so get booking now!

Click here to find out more about Hamburg and why it’s a perfect last minute get away with Blue Air and LJLA.

4 – Alicante, Spain

Sun-splashed Alicante needs to introduction to us Scousers, having long been a firm favourite summer holiday destination for families, groups and couples alike. With three flights per week making a beeline for this Mediterranean hot spot, why would you fly from anywhere else? A mecca for great food, wine and temperatures hitting the mid twenties in Spring, we’re stocking up on factor 50 and requesting leave from work right now!

5 – Bacau,  Romania

Steeped in history and tradition, Romania’s 15th largest city, Bacau is situated in the historical region of Moldavia, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, and on the Bistrița River. If you fancy learning the local dialect, sampling traditional Romanian dishes or even accessing the busy train station to explore the country further, grab yourself a low-cost twice weekly flight to Bacau.

6 – Larnaca, Cyprus

The jewel of the southernmost coast of Cyprus, the city of Larnaca is an area of outstanding beauty and the perfect destination for a summer holiday. With twice weekly flights from our very own LJLA, you can explore Larnaca’s numerous attractions, waterfronts and scenic vistas as well as some of the islands most outstanding beaches.

7 – Milan, Italy

Milan is Italy’s business capital, home to the country’s stock exchange as well as its renowned fashion and design industries and while people work hard, they play hard too! Whether you’re up for eating or drinking, football or shopping, Milan is the place to really let your hair down. Fashion weeks, feast days, and whole nights dedicated to whooping it up: Milan should be your next girly weekend away for sure!

8 – Cluj, Romania

Considered the unofficial capital of Transylvania, Cluj is one of the most important academic, cultural, industrial and business centres in Romania. Surrounded by miles of lush green countryside in which nestles castles and medieval country residences such as the Bonțida Bánffy Castle—once known as “the Versailles of Transylvania, this is the perfect destination to take your camera and sense of adventure.

Head to www.blueairweb.com or contact the customer call centre on 0151 230 1590 and book your next getaway now! You can find out more about the Blue Air destinations available from Liverpool John Lennon Airport by clicking here.

We want to know why you love to fly local at Liverpool John Lennon Airport? Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share you suggestions on our socials.