NEW direct flight route to Luleå, Swedish Lapland, provides a more eco-friendly option, say Northern Lights experts at The Aurora Zone

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - March 5th, 2020 - A new direct flight to Luleå with SAS has just been announced, providing a new – and greener – travel option that will open up this peaceful corner of Swedish Lapland to those wishing to tick the Aurora Borealis off their bucket list. Experts at the UK’s original Northern Lights holiday specialist, The Aurora Zone, having been trailblazers for the region in the UK for many years, are proud to be working in conjunction with both SAS and Swedish Lapland to champion the direct flight.

Says Ali McLean, Founder and Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, “we are thrilled that the new route has been given the go-ahead, with the first voyage due to take to the skies on 18 December, 2020 from London Stansted.”

With direct flights a greener option than flying indirect, due to planes producing more emissions when taking off and landing than whilst in the air, the new flight from London Stansted is set to emit 18-20% less CO² compared with a connecting flight. The new route will also bring additional carbon reduction benefits through the use of the new Airbus A320NEO aircraft, which is deemed to be one of the world’s most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft.

The twice-weekly schedule of Monday and Friday flights is perfect for those wishing to spend a long weekend in this pristine part of Swedish Lapland, situated on the Bay of Bothnia, just 100 km south of the Arctic Circle. Outbound flights will depart London Stansted on Friday mornings and Monday afternoons, with return flights leaving Luleå early in the evening on a Monday and early on a Friday morning, with an estimated flight time of 3 hours and 5 minutes. Friday morning departures / returning Monday evening means three-night stays, while Monday afternoon departures / returning Friday morning allow four-night visits.

The Aurora Zone prides itself on working with and supporting a range of handpicked, independent and locally-run small business partners, which are both ethical and passionate in their approach, ensuring that their impact on Luleå is both positive and sustainable. The specialist tour operator is therefore understandably thrilled that the new flight will further encourage sustainability via a route which supports the regional economy through employing local people and protecting the cultural heritage of the area – all whilst treading with a lighter carbon footprint.

Founder and Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, Ali McLean says: “With direct flights saving on emissions, we’re absolutely delighted now to be able to offer a greener and easier option to those looking to fly to Luleå with the launch of the new SAS flight. This corner of Swedish Lapland provides a slice of untouched wilderness that is truly remarkable. The Gulf of Bothnia freezes to form pack ice which provides the perfect platform for brilliant winter adventures, as well as the dream setting from which to search for the Northern Lights.”

With very little light pollution, the views of the night sky can be exceptional out on the ice of Luleå. As the leading Northern Lights experts, The Aurora Zone combines unforgettable daytime excursions - such as husky sledding across the frozen trails, experiencing an ice breaker tour, or gaining an authentic insight into local Sámi culture - with the very best chances of seeing the Lights in Luleå through dedicated Aurora activities, be it a Northern Lights sled tour, an Aurora hunt by snowshoe, or a private dinner in a magical Aurora hideaway on the frozen sea.

Including the new direct flights, the Aurora Short Break at Brändön Lodge and the Treehotel trip provides the chance to explore the region from two exceptional bases, with two nights spent in a cosy winter cottage overlooking the frozen Bothnian Bay, before spending the final night in spectacular style at the show-stopping Treehotel. Days are left free to tailor with dream winter experiences, be it brushing up on Nordic skills, cutting through the frozen waters on an Icebreaker voyage where the mouth of the river Piteälven meets the open sea, exploring the enchanting snowy forests on a snowmobile tour, or choosing from many more thrilling options.

The three-night holiday is priced from £1,395 pp (two sharing), including the new return direct flights, transfers, two nights’ full-board winter cottage accommodation, one night’s full-board accommodation at the world-famous Treehotel, cold weather clothing and expert guides. All excursions can be added at extra cost: Husky Sledding from £206 pp, Sámi reindeer experience from £226 pp, Nordic Winter Skills from £98 pp, Icebreaker experience from £312 pp, Northern Lights Snowshoe Walk from £88 pp, Snowmobile Forest and Nature Tour from £125 pp and Dinner on Ice from £165 pp.

For further information, please visit www.theaurorazone.com or speak to an Aurora Expert on 01670 785 012.

Editor’s notes:

About The Aurora Zone: The Aurora Zone (www.theaurorazone.com) is the original Northern Lights holiday specialist which remains dedicated to just one key aim – showing you the Aurora Borealis. Years of passion, scientific research, expert local knowledge and first-hand experience have gone into designing its holidays, resulting in an unparalleled collection of bucket-list Northern Lights tours that provide the best chance of experiencing Mother Nature’s greatest wonder. Explore Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway with the Aurora Experts throughout autumn, winter and spring, and enjoy a variety of activities such as snowmobiling, husky sledding and reindeer experiences.

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