FLYBE is reporting that during the weekend (Jan 23/24) ticket sales were 25 per cent up over the same period last year also making it the airline's strongest weekend sales on record.

The surge in Flybe's weekend sales has been attributed in no small part to passengers booking early to take advantage of the lowest possible fares, especially on Flybe's sea and sun routes but also on crucial business routes.

The strong sales also come hard on the heels of the airline having recently advertised 10-million seats on sale, and Just Pay Taxes and Charges' promotions. This, when coupled with an extensive Summer 2010 schedule incorporating a number of new routes and the increasingly strong sales signaling the return of business travel, leads the airline to conclude that consumer confidence is beginning to return with UK economy.

In addition, with the dates of half term, Valentine's Day and the Six Nations Rugby Tournament all falling around the same time, Flybe's 10 London Gatwick routes, 11 ski routes and nine routes to Milan and Paris are proving to be very popular.

Mike Rutter, Flybe's Chief Commercial Officer said: "The significant 25 per cent increase in the weekend's sales was yet another milestone for Flybe and a crucial one in reflecting a possible return in consumer confidence across the UK regions.

"We have continued to deliver on our promise to keep Britain on the move during the recession and, with a number of attractive new routes added to an already extensive Summer schedule, remain committed to doing so. People are always looking around for the best possible bargains for their holidays and very obviously decided to take full advantage of Flybe's affordable fares.

"This, coupled with a significant return of business travel sales in recent weeks, is an encouraging sign as the country looks towards 2010."