Gunners fans amongst some of the first Wizz Air passengers to Romania from LJLA

This evening, Wizz Air, launched its inaugural flight to Bucharest, the Capital of Romania.

To celebrate the occasion, Liverpool John Lennon Airport presented two lucky passengers at check-in with a bottle of Champagne and it turned out that Danny Reeves from Layton in Blackpool and Rob Hulley from Luton were travelling to Bucharest to watch their team Arsenal who are due to play Steaua Bucharest in the Champions’ League on Tuesday.

Today’s launch also marks the first ever route to link Liverpool with Romania. The new service will operate three times a week every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until 28th February after which the route will increase to four times a week.

Wizz Air’s latest edition to its network reflects the airlines commitment to Liverpool following the success of its three existing destinations to Warsaw, Katowice and Gdansk. Last month, Wizz Air also announced it is to increase the five weekly service to the Polish city of Gdansk to a daily service, as from 15 March 2008.

Neil Pakey, Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s Managing Director, commented: “The success of Wizz Air’s route network over the last few years has been exceptional. The Polish routes have proved to be extremely popular with both inbound and outbound passengers and we are confident that Liverpool’s first route to Bucharest will follow suit. For the airline to add another new route to its portfolio and to increase the Gdansk route to a daily service is important especially in the run up to 2008 when the City of Liverpool will be the focus of attention right across Europe as it celebrates its Capital of Culture status.”

Natasa Kázmér, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs of Wizz Air, added: "We are delighted to bring Bucharest to the travellers from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. After three years of successful operation to three Polish cities we are glad to expand our network from Liverpool to a new EU member state. Romania is well positioned to become the new must see place of Europe. It has a booming capital, picturesque countryside and the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea. And now all this can be reached fast, comfortably and at low fares!"

Situated in southern Romania, Bucharest has so much to offer those wanting a City Break. The City boasts a wealth of history and is home to over 30 museums, 18 art galleries and 22 concert halls. It has plenty of operas and nightclubs to choose from, lots of landmarks to visit and beautiful architecture to take in. During the winter months Romania also attracts skiers and snowboarders alike. Romania’s major ski resorts include Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal, Paltinis and Runcu.