Citywing will continue to provide the customer interface for a vital air link between Anglesey and Cardiff following the agreement of a new seven-month contract.

After previous operator Links Air decided to cease delivering the service without notice, Citywing stepped in to ensure an interim service was maintained. It has now been announced that the company will continue to help provide the service for at least a further seven months, while a full tender process for a longer-term contract to operate the service is conducted.

Citywing will continue to provide the ticketing and marketing of the service, with flights operated by the contract holder Van Air, a well-established operator that already serves a number of UK airports, under the new contract.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: ‘Despite some recent difficulties, the Welsh Government has acted quickly to ensure that there has been no break in service to this important transport link. We will work closely with the new operator to promote the air service, which has seen strong growth in passenger numbers in the past year.

‘To further support the service’s long term future, I recently commissioned a study looking at the potential opportunities to expand activities at Anglesey Airport. I am expecting to receive a draft report from this work in the next few months.’

The popular air link has made a visit to the Welsh capital a short hop from Anglesey, as well as improving access to the north for travellers from the south of Wales. The connection has enhanced business connections by offering a viable alternative to rail and road travel, as well as giving tourists greater choice, which prices starting from as little as ?19.99.

Citywing Managing Director David Buck said: ‘Our focus is on providing community-connecting services at affordable prices and a schedule which gives travellers real choice. We understand the importance of the link between Anglesey and Cardiff, and were quick to offer our services to ensure the connection was maintained when Links Air ceased its operation.

‘The new agreement, which will see Van Air operate flights, secures the immediate future of the route and we hope to see the long term settled soon to provide certainty to both the business and leisure passengers who use the service.’

Based in the Isle of Man, Citywing and its partners employ 50 staff and carry around 60,000 passengers every year. In addition to its Cardiff and Anglesey connections, Citywing also sells tickets for flights between the Isle of Man and Belfast, Blackpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, Gloucester and Jersey.

Passengers can now book tickets for the Anglesey-Cardiff route now at www.citywing.com or by calling 0871 200 0440.