A new night bus to help shift workers and holiday makers get to Newcastle International Airport is to start running from this Sunday 24 March.

The 787 will operate between Newcastle city centre, the west end of the city and the Airport every day between the hours of 2.50am and 5.20am as part of a six-month trial to assess demand for the service.

It is a joint project by Nexus and Transport North East, funded by the region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), with a financial contribution from Newcastle International Airport.

The 787 service, operated by Stagecoach, will in the early hours of the morning on a route that starts at Newgate Street in the centre of Newcastle before taking in the West Road, Westerhope, Newbiggin Hall, and then the Airport.

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “This is a wonderful example of our region’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding in action, making every day bus travel across the North East even more convenient.

 “I’m pleased this new night bus service will help holiday makers and staff travel to the airport in an affordable and sustainable way.”

Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus, said: “We’re really excited to be introducing this new night bus for Newcastle International Airport.

“The 787 will provide an entirely new connection to the Airport, from Newcastle via the west end, benefiting shift workers who are starting early, and people who are catching holiday flights.

“It’s a great option for people who need to get to the airport during the night, when most public transport services are not running.

“Funding from the local Bus Service Improvement Plan has made this possible. It will be a six-month trial and over the forthcoming summer season and we will be keenly assessing how much demand there is for the service to see whether it can become permanent.”

Graeme Mason, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted that this new service will be launching in time for the upcoming busy summer season. It will not only provide an alternative transport option for passengers departing from the Airport early in the morning, but will also open up employment opportunities for people living along its route.

“We are working hard to meet our ambitious target of becoming Net Zero Carbon by the year 2035 and providing our passengers and staff with more sustainable transport options plays a key part in our strategy.”

Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle Airport is an extremely busy transport hub, operating 24 hours a day and with passengers and staff often needing to travel to and from the site at night and in the early hours when public transport options are limited.

“This new night bus, between Newcastle city centre and Newcastle Airport, is intended to fill that gap by providing a service at times when people might otherwise find travelling more of a challenge.

“This is one of a number of ways that we, together with regional partners, are hoping to improve access to convenient, affordable and reliable public transport services.”

Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: “We are delighted to be running the new 787 service to Newcastle Airport on behalf of Nexus, utilising BSIP funding. At Stagecoach we are always keen to develop the bus network so it can better meet the requirements of our customers, and this is a great opportunity. Not only will this service provide an ideal commute for staff during the very early morning but it will also be a huge help for holiday goers, so they can start their journey hassle free!”

Fares on the new 787 service will be in line with other secured Nexus bus routes.

A short single (which is a journey of less than 2km) will cost £1.80; a longer single (a journey of more than 2km) will cost £2; a day ticket will cost £3.70; a weekly ticket  £17; child singles (aged 21 and under) will be £1.

Multi-modal products that can be used on all buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro will also be sold and accepted on the 787.

The North East Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) was published in 2021 and helped the region to secure one of the largest allocations of funding in the country at £163.5 million.

Major improvements including new and enhanced bus services and affordable fare promotions are now rolling out across the region’s transport network – with more to follow.