The Greece specialist agreed a deal with the charter airline earlier this year for its summer 2018 programme, ensuring Gatwick remains its main hub.

Chris Wright, Sunvil managing director, previously told TTG the tour operator hoped to extend the partnership with Enter Air “into 2019 and beyond”.

“Everyone wants to fly from regional [airports], but Gatwick is still our hub,” he said. “We’ve always been strong in the south, so it was important we maintained a foothold there.”

It comes as Sunvil’s main summer 2018 flying programme took off this week, featuring flights to Corfu, Samos, Lemnos, Skiathos, Volos, Kefalonia and Preveza.

Customers were treated to Enter Air cookies at check-in to mark the occasion, while Sunvil flew out a number of agents to the Sporades for a week-long fam, taking in Skopelos, Alonissos and Skiathos to test the new carrier.

“Sunvil has operated holidays to Greece since 1975 and thus, for 43 years, Gatwick has always been its local airport,” said Wright.

“We have flown the same daily routes to the Greek Islands for the last 35 years and, although the airlines have certainly changed over the years, our programme has been very consistent.

“We’re very pleased to have formed this new partnership with Enter Air, securing Gatwick as a continuing long-term home for our programme.

“We have worked hard to ensure our guests continue to experience the service they have come to expect over the last 43 years. Our flight routes include the old favourites, such as Corfu and Kefalonia, but also lesser-known islands such as Samos and Lemnos.

“The flight is an important part of the holiday and makes the first and last impression on the traveller, so it is important that we get it right.”

Wright added he had personally flown with Enter Air to “fine-tune” the onboard experience ahead of the summer season.

Sunvil flights include 20kg luggage, with passengers able to pre-book seats and other extras such as lounge access and excess baggage through flyextras.com.