NEWCASTLE'S Lord Mayor launched a low-fare air route from the North-East to Poland yesterday.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Dianne Packham, formally declared the new easyJet route open to the city of Krakow.
She also helped the airline to celebrate easyJet's fourth anniversary at Newcastle International Airport and the introduction of the airline's seventh aircraft to its North-East base.
The Polish route will fly from Newcastle four times week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
An easyJet spokeswoman said the connection between Newcastle and the Polish community would benefit both business and leisure passengers.
The airline expects to carry almost 30,000 passengers during the first six months of operation, with more than 10,000 seats already sold before the inaugural flight took off.
Katie Stitson, easyJet marketing manager for Newcastle, said: "This new service to Krakow in the south of the country, close to the border of the Czech Republic, will allow businesses from the two regions to thrive."
Coun Packham said: "For many years, Newcastle has enjoyed a close relationship with the people of Poland and they have made a huge contribution to the cultural and economic life of the city. This direct flight to Krakow will ensure closer ties with this city."
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