New direct flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Heathrow have started.

The flights operate four times a day, replacing the previous thrice-daily service between Newquay and London Gatwick.

The new service is partially funded by the government through the Cornwall Council-led Public Service Obligation.

Cornwall Council says that the new service offers the opportunity for additional connectivity and greater flexibility for business and leisure travel, and that the local economy is set to benefit as the county enjoys increased access to the global marketplace.

The flights are operated by Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, who also offered flights on the previous route between Newquay and London Gatwick, which has seen demand almost double over the last four years.

Q400 turboprop aircraft are being used to deliver the new service as well as reduce the environmental impact.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said that the service to London Heathrow will help businesses in Cornwall to compete nationally and internationally, attracting inward investment and boosting tourism.

They also say it will provide much-improved access to Central London via the sixteen minute Heathrow Express service to Paddington, Piccadilly Line and eventually the new Crossrail service.

Flights to London now account for 40 per cent of all passengers using Cornwall Airport Newquay.

Secretary of State, Chris Grayling said: “The new route from Cornwall to our national hub airport offers significant opportunities for local businesses and people, and will help boost tourism across the South West.

“It’s great to see this new route launched with help from the government, as we work to build a better connected UK.”

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said: “Passengers across Cornwall and the South West will enjoy more daily return flights to the capital than ever before, flying directly into Heathrow. The Public Service Obligation, negotiated by Cornwall Council and supported by the government, will provide passengers with hundreds of links to global destinations opening up new travel and business opportunities.

"This new regular route, which residents of Cornwall have long been asking for, with four flights a day, means that business will be able to get to and from the capital for daily meetings which will bring further economic benefits and growth to Cornwall.”

Cornwall Council Leader Adam Paynter said: “This sends a strong message that Cornwall is open for business. Having four direct flights a day to Europe’s busiest airport provides us with fantastic links and more regular access not just to London, but also to the rest of the world.

“The new route will help businesses plan ahead as well as creating more opportunities to do business across the globe. It will allow people to connect from the region to the world’s most economically important cities, unlocking opportunities for tourism and trade.

Mark Duddridge, Chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Regional air links are vital to rebalancing the UK economy and supporting our emerging industries in Cornwall like space, clean energy and creative tech. Four flights a day into Heathrow will help our ambitious businesses trade around the world, and attract more domestic and overseas visitors to one of the best parts of the UK.”

Mel Colton Dyer, Chief Operating Officer from the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce said: “The new service offers a fantastic opportunity to connect Cornwall’s businesses to new markets across Europe and beyond and makes Cornwall truly a global county.”

Cornwall Airport Newquay’s Managing Director, Al Titterington, said: “It’s fantastic that all the hard work to make sure that Cornwall Airport Newquay has direct access to Europe’s busiest hub has finally come to fruition. The worldwide connectivity that this brings opens up a world of opportunity for Cornwall.

“Now we have direct flights to Heathrow, we will see the strength of Newquay and Cornwall’s brand abroad grow even further, helping to attract more valuable international tourism to our beautiful county.”