BELFAST City Airport user airline flyBE has reported a dramatic increase in passengers in October.
The airline's latest figures for Belfast City increased by 13 per cent with the overall number of passengers on all flyBE routes going up by 21.2 per
cent, compared with the same period last year.
With the summer sales now over flyBE says it is very pleased with the continued growth, which was boosted by strong half term sales.
New routes into Leeds and Newcastle have led to strong regional growth in the north of England. Exeter continuing its development with a 59 per cent
increase in passengers, compared with October 2004. Overall passenger volumes were 446,027 staying close to August¹s record figure of over half a
million.
FlyBE chief Mike Rutter said: "We have put together an exciting package of new winter routes and passengers have responded exceptionally well to the
schedule with bookings up significantly on last year; seat sales for our ski routes have more than doubled since October 2004.
"In the face of high fuel prices and increased competition these results show the success of our approach."
The airline recently announced it would be starting a Belfast City to Manchester service in January in opposition to British Airways.
FlyBE claims it will undercut BA fares and take a substantial share of the market but BA says it welcomes competition on the route.