HIGH-FLYING STUDENTS TOUCH DOWN AT BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL

Over 100 international students will fly in to Bristol International Airport this weekend (25-27 September) before commencing courses at the University of Bristol. The students are travelling from 14 different countries on services operated by Air France, KLM, Continental Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet and Brussels Airlines, with several making long haul connections via Amsterdam and Paris. They will be met at the airport by a welcoming committee from the University and transported to their accommodation by mini-bus. Jacqui Mills, Community Projects Manager at Bristol International Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the students to the South West for what will be the start of an exciting chapter in their lives. For many, this will be a first visit to the UK, so we want to make sure their first impressions are positive. “By flying into Bristol International rather than an airport outside the region, the students will reduce their onward journey, meaning they have more time to relax in their new surroundings before getting down to some serious studying!” Ri'Anna Stueber, Senior International Adviser at the University of Bristol, said: “The University of Bristol is delighted to be working with Bristol International Airport in the arrival our international students this weekend. We are greatly appreciative of the co-operation and enthusiasm Bristol International Airport has demonstrated in helping us to provide such a warm welcome.” Travel by foreign residents using Bristol International has increased 161 per cent over the last five years, with each overseas visitor using the airport currently worth £410 to the South West economy. The airport’s proposed development plans will result in £1.1 billion of additional visitor spending in the region by 2019/20. Ends Picture shows (from left to right): Front: International office ambassadors Kate Humphreys, Rachel Marwood and Sophie Hyrniewicz Back: Spanish students Imad Fardoun, Pau Felip, Andreu Oliver and Cristina Franch For further information please contact: James Gore, Bristol International Airport, 01275 475447