Fledgling airline flight delayed

AlphaOne's first flight was grounded

The first flight of a new airline, founded by a teenager, was grounded on Wednesday at the Isle of Man.

AlphaOne airways had to scrap its first flight from the Isle of Man to Edinburgh at 0815 GMT due to maintenance delays.

However a statement from the airline said a flight planned for 1815 GMT would go ahead.

The airline founded by Martin Halstead, 19, plans to expand its services in the New Year.

An airline spokeswoman said passengers booked on the cancelled flight have been offered a full refund and the opportunity to fly on the later flight.

Alpha One is operating its first route with a smaller aircraft during December, introducing the 18-seat Jetstream 31 from the New Year.

Call centre

Delays in pilot training and administration last month mean that scheduled flights could not start until December.

While problems with its website meant flights had to be booked via a call centre.

Mr Halstead, 19, from Oxfordshire, had planned to operate between Oxford and Cambridge, but then scrapped the route.

Educated at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, Mr Halstead gave up his A-levels in 2003 to pursue a pilot's career.

Additional services are planned between the Isle of Man, Southampton and Cardiff International.