BRANSON BRINGS FEAR OF FLYING CURE TO NEWCASTLE 07/12/05

A course to help people afraid of flying is coming to Newcastle International Airport. Sir Richard Branson’s Flying without Fear programme is the first of its kind to reach Newcastle – making the airport one of only a handful in the country to offer the course.

The entrepreneur’s Virgin Atlantic company has brought the one-day course to Newcastle International to help thousands of people overcome fears ranging from discomfort at takeoff to a complete inability to board an aircraft.

Sir Richard Branson said: “The Flying without Fear course has gone from strength to strength since it started eight years ago. To be able to bring the course to Newcastle now means that we are able to help even more people combat their fear.

“Whether that be the business traveller that has to travel for his work or the person who wants to fly off on holiday, this course will give them the confidence to fly and explore countries that they might never have been able to experience”.

Helping people to overcome their fears on the course will be psychotherapist David Landau, who has made appearances on TV and radio. He will talk about fears and phobias and give people the skills needed to help them control their fears when they get onboard the aircraft.

Participants will then be taken on a 45 minute flight, accompanied by Virgin Atlantic pilots, cabin crew and ground staff who will be there to offer support and to calm any nerves. Once they have completed the course, participants will receive a certificate signed by Sir Richard Branson and free membership to the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

The programme has been very popular with a number of high-profile celebrities who are afraid of flying. The Virgin Atlantic team even offers a one-to-one course for those preferring individual attention, which also includes an accompanied flight.

Dave Laws, head of operations and aviation development at Newcastle International Airport said: “To have an airline with the stature of Virgin Atlantic providing their services at Newcastle International is fantastic and a real coup for the airport as we’ll be the only UK airport north of Manchester to offer the course. We’re sure it will be extremely popular and it would also make a really original Christmas present for someone.”

Richard Conway, Director of Fear of Flying for Virgin said: “We are delighted to be introducing the Fear of Flying course to Newcastle International Airport. Since the course began eight years’ ago, it has had some amazing results, with a success rate in excess of 98%.”

Other airports offering the service include Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Manchester and Birmingham.

Virgin Atlantic will be holding several courses throughout 2006, with the first one taking place Sunday, February 12. The cost of a place on the course is £199+VAT which includes the flight.

For more information or to book a place contact Flying Without Fear (FWF) on 01423 714900 or visit www.flyingwithoutfear.info

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