(Issued on behalf of Zoom Airlines)

Zoom Airlines, the low-cost transatlantic carrier, today announced that it has suspended operations with immediate effect.

All flights have been cancelled and passengers are being advised to seek bookings with alternative airlines.

Zoom said that the unprecedented rise in the price of aviation fuel which resulted in a $50 million increase in operating costs during the last year and the general economic downturn had made it impossible for operations to continue.

Zoom Airlines comprises Zoom Airlines Inc, based in Canada, and Zoom Airlines Ltd, based at Gatwick. Earlier today both companies began administration proceedings.
The airline employs 450 staff in Canada and 260 staff in the UK and operated flights from six UK airports, London Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, Cardiff as well as Paris and Rome. It flew to eight destinations in Canada, New York, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda.

Hugh and John Boyle, the founders of Zoom, said today: We deeply regret the fact that we have been forced to suspend all Zoom operations. It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff.

We are desperately sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause passengers and those who have booked flights.

We have done everything we can to support the airline and left no stone unturned to secure a re-financing package that would have kept our aircraft flying. Even late today we believed we had secured a new investment package to ensure future operations but the actions of creditors meant we could not continue flying. Having been unable to complete the investment package the directors of Zoom had no option but to instigate administration proceedings.

The suspension of operations is a result of the exceptionally difficult trading conditions which have affected all airlines over the last 12 months. We have worked hard over the last seven years to build up a successful business but have incurred losses in the current year due to the unprecedented increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate. The increase in the price of oil has added around $50 million to our annual operating costs and we could not recover that from passengers who had already booked their flights.

We would like to thank the many thousands of passengers who chose to travel with Zoom during the last seven years and efforts of the airline s staff. We are extremely sorry for today s unavoidable actions.

Zoom customers who have future travel plans involving a Zoom flight for which reservations and payment have been made, are being advised to their credit or debit card company to apply for a refund.

Zoom has also publicised details of other airlines which operate the same or similar routes to those flown with Zoom in the hope that this may assist passengers in making alternative travel plans.

Passengers whose travel arrangements have been made as part of a holiday package originating in the UK and booked through a holiday company, may be able to make a claim under the CAA s Air Travel Organiser s Licence scheme and are being advised to consult the CAA ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

29th August 2008

ENDS

22 August

Jet2.com is bringing the beautiful island of Sardinia within easy reach of Manchester, following an announcement today that it will begin direct services there for summer 2009.

With flights on sale today from just £49.99 one way including taxes, the leading low fare airline now flies to 16 destinations direct from the UK s third largest airport.

Flying into Olbia (translated as happy town ) on the island s North East coast, the area is famous for having one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Mediterranean with white sands and crystal clear water. Olbia also boasts a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops.

With a warm climate, beautiful unspoilt landscape and many tourist attractions and activities, Sardinia is the ideal destination for a summer holiday or short sunshine break.

Speaking about the route launch, Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, commented: Sardinia has proved to be an extremely popular summer destination when we launched the route from our Leeds Bradford base this May which is why we decided to extend this service to Manchester.

With its white beaches, charismatic towns, picturesque harbours and delicious cuisine, it is a destination that can truly offer something for everyone. I m confident that it will be an extremely successful route, further increasing tourism to Sardinia and giving people within reach of Manchester Airport even more choice when it comes to their holiday destination.

Fares from Manchester to Sardinia start from £49.99 one way including taxes. Flights will depart Manchester to Sardinia once a week with the first flight departing on 2nd May 2009.

For more information, please visit www.jet2.com

Ends

21st August 2008

Talks between Swissport's Board of Directors, ACAS and the Union concluded in the early hours of this morning.

All planned industrial action has been cancelled and a pay offer is being considered.

ENDS