Stobart Air's Aer Lingus Regional reports 13% increase in February passenger numbers

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air (formerly Aer Arann), has announced a 13% increase passenger numbers for the month of February 2014, compared to the same period last year. Aer Lingus Regional flew 82,316 passengers in February, up from 72,930 in 2013.

Passengers flying to and from Dublin were up 30% as the airline’s experienced its eighth consecutive month of growth. There was a 33% growth in the Dublin – Cardiff route due to Ireland’s Six Nations match with Wales in Dublin.

Last month Aer Lingus Regional reported a 23% increase in its passenger numbers in January compared to the same month last year. Passenger numbers are up 17% to date in 2014 compared to January and February in 2013.

Commenting on February’s passenger numbers, Simon Fagan, Commercial Director at Stobart Air said:
‘We are very satisfied with these numbers, especially when you consider the challenging weather conditions across Ireland and the UK in February. The strategic decisions made by the airline last year, now operating under its new name as Stobart Air, has resulted in 17% increase in passenger numbers so far this year.

Stobart Air’s route expansion programme coupled with its investment in eight new aircraft have benefitted both passenger convenience and comfort.

‘We are continuing to experience a sustained rise in passengers connecting with Aer Lingus mainline services, and this is where the franchise agreement has worked well for Stobart Air.

‘Advanced sales from UK destinations to Aer Lingus’s new transatlantic routes in San Francisco and Toronto are very encouraging as passengers are responding to the benefits of being able to pre-clear US customs and immigration at Dublin Airport.’