Flybe passenger numbers surge

THE popularity of budget airlines was underlined today by a 42% leap in monthly passenger numbers at regional carrier Flybe.

The strong growth figures come as the airline moves into its peak summer schedules. The fleet size has also been increased by three aircraft compared with last year and all Flybe's sunshine routes are now fully operational.

Last week Flybe announced it is buying 14 Embraer 195 aircraft and has taken options on a further 12 as part of a fleet modernisation that will see it phase out its ageing BAe-146 aircraft.

Mike Rutter, sales and marketing director at Flybe, commented: 'This has been an extremely exciting month for Flybe. The new plane order, excellent passenger figures and record bookings for the summer period are all extremely good news. Our commitment to regional bases and domestic flights has been rewarded by strong results.

'The additional international routes we have introduced for the summer period are also selling very well and we are looking forward to continued growth through the summer period,' he added.

Flybe, which used to trade as British European before discovering the low-cost models of Ryanair and easyJet and then expanded through selling tickets online, made substantial profits last year after turning around its business. A £14m surplus compared with a £3.1m loss in 2003.

Although Flybe plans to expand across Europe, currently some 80% of its services are within the UK, including lucrative Channel Islands and Northern Ireland services. The winter months, in common with many airlines, bring trading losses, but last year's profit means Flybe is now set for a flotation on the London Stock Exchange, managing director Jim French confirmed recently.

Flybe is currently owned by the family trusts of late steel magnate and former Blackburn Rovers sugar daddy Jack Walker.