English Open Flying High

Exeter International Airport will become the airport business partner for The English Open at St Mellion International Resort when it returns to The European Tour from August 13-16, 2009, Crown Golf and Exeter International Airport announced today.Crown Golf and The European Tour, the hosts and promoters of The English Open, will work in partnership with Exeter International Airport to coordinate flights into the region and ensure a trouble-free transfer from the airport to St Mellion International Resort for all visitors and many of the world’s top golfers. Exeter International Airport’s Corporate Aviation Department, which was set up 12 months ago, has experience in dealing with a variety of aircraft used for corporate and private aviation. Many players and golf fans will also be arriving on scheduled flights and the airport’s team will provide a seamless transfer through the arrival procedures and on to transport links for the final leg of the journey into Cornwall. Jamie Christon, Exeter International Airport’s Deputy Managing Director said: “We are very pleased to be working with Crown Golf and The European Tour. “Exeter International Airport has built an excellent reputation for handling a variety of important clients and we were very pleased to have been asked to play a part in providing services for a tournament steeped in rich history and tradition. “We welcome the opportunity to get involved in such a major sporting and tourism initiative and will be pleased to promote St Mellion International Resort to other corporate clients in the future.” Stephen Lewis, Crown Golf’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Exeter International Airport, which will play a pivotal role in providing a seamless transport link for golfers, sponsors and tourists visiting The English Open.”Crown Golf, the UK’s largest golf course owner/operator, counts the St Mellion International Resort as the most prestigious venue among its 33-strong group of golf clubs. A £100 million redevelopment plan at St Mellion is underway, which includes a new 80-bedroom, four star-standard hotel, 265 golf homes, refurbished resort facilities and remodelling work on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.