It's up, up and away as Exeter airport breaks record for passengers

Last month was a record breaker for passengers at the airport, with figures just released showing it had its busiest month in its 70-year history.

A total of 114,600 passengers either departed or arrived at the airport during the 31 days of August.

The growth in all airport passenger traffic was up by one per cent on the same month in 2007, with the passengers on the charter holiday routes rising by three per cent.

Jamie Christon, the airport's deputy managing director, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the airport's performance.

"The most popular destinations from Exeter were Tenerife, Majorca, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

"But there was also a notable take-up for the flights to Turkey and the 20th year for our flights to Toronto have proved a great success.

"The Air Transat aircraft and the operator Canadian Affair have already guaranteed to provide the service in 2009.

"Despite a slowing economy, we are seeing more and more local people flying from their local airport.

"August has really bucked the trend being experienced at other UK airports.

"And we are especially pleased with the success of the First Choice aircraft, which has now completed its first full year in service at Exeter.

"Feedback shows that our customers appreciate the convenience of flying locally and they are saving money by not having to drive hundreds of miles to another UK airport."

Derek Phillips, chairman of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said the figures were great news for Exeter and surrounding area.

"The airport provides great benefits for us all and, of course, raises the status of the city.

"There are also a growing number of people flying into Exeter to spend holiday breaks in the area, and this in turn brings income to others."

Last week, airport bosses said the number of flights from Exeter could fall next year, with spokesman Stephen Ayres stating: "We see 2009 as a year of consolidation.

"I would say we are not looking for substantial growth, but we will either be on par with 2007 levels or see a few capacity cuts."

Flybe was unable to comment on Exeter's latest figures but revealed that is was expecting to be able to announce similar success soon.

Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: "Flybe will, over the next couple of weeks, be announcing record profits and cash balance for the financial year 2007-08, as well as reporting on improved profits for the first quarter of 2008."