HOLIDAYMAKERS in south Essex are just a short hop from Switzerland after a new route was launched from Southend to Bern.

SkyWork Airlines now run twice-daily flights between Southend and the Swiss capital, on weekdays, and one flight on Sundays.

The airline moved its flights to Southend from London City Airport to take advantage of the rapidly growing terminal’s reputation for good customer service.

Southend Airport’s chief commercial officer Roger Clements said: “We are delighted SkyWork has taken the decision to move its operations from City to London’s newest, super-fast airport.

It is the unique customer service commitments that only we offer, along with unrivalled onward transport links, which have led to this move.

“We look forward to working with SkyWork and hope they are the first of many new partners we will be welcoming here at London Southend Airport.”

The airport has been voted best in Britain by readers of Which? Magazine for two years running and has had more than £120million invested in it since the Stobart Group acquired it in 2008.

Bern city centre is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval cathedral and proximity to popular skiing resorts in the Jungfrau region.

The city is also home of the world famous Toblerone chocolate bar and Skywork’s chief commercial officer hopes the new route will prove popular.

SkyWork Airlines chief commercial officer Maren Fides Schmelz said: “We are pleased to be connected twice a day with London’s sixth airport, customer friendly London Southend Airport and we are looking forward to an engaging and exciting collaboration. Bern Airport is just 10 km from the city centre and easily accessible by train or by car – your ideal starting point for trips in the Swiss mountains.”

Tickets are now on sale at www.flyskywork.com