Membership airline Surf Air to shift London base from Luton to City Airport

Surf Air, the world's first all-you-can-fly membership airline, has announced plans to relocate its London service to London City Airport with flights taking off from its new hub as early as December.

In a statement, the company said its move from Luton follows feedback from members and will make its experience even "more convenient for its network of entrepreneurs and business travellers."

Earlier this month, Surf Air (Europe) CEO told IBTimes UK that the company would not restrict itself to just one London hub, or for that matter, only offer services between the UK and short-haul European destinations.

Subsequently, its London to Zurich route became a daily weekday service on 13 November. Flights from Zurich to Luxembourg and Munich are expected to commence in early 2018, as "a response to member demand and from the increasing frustration among frequent travellers with the other commercial options currently available."

Surf Air is also adding two new aircraft to its European fleet. The company said its Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12s will be based in Zurich and used to fly members to Luxembourg from February 2018 and Munich from March 2018.

The latest additions join the current fleet of Embraer Phenom 300s based at Surf Air at London City Airport.

Talling-Smith said: "Surf Air's convenient subscription model and streamlined service better fits the demanding schedules of busy professionals and frequent travellers.

"Surf Air gives them back more time to enjoy their lives instead of queuing and waiting around in airport terminals. Our move to London City Airport is what our members asked for and reflects the demand for a more efficient approach to business travel."

Richard Hill, chief commercial officer at London City Airport, said: "The Surf Air business model adds an exciting new offer to London City Airport's time-poor business travellers, to complement our extensive airline network.

"Surf Air customers will benefit from the outstanding facilities of our private Jet Centre, offering luxury, speed and convenience every time they travel through and our team look forward to getting to know each member personally so they can cater for their exact requirements."

Founded in the US in 2013, Surf Air also serves 17 destinations from hubs stateside in California and Texas.