Airport reports soaring interest

THE Waterford-London Luton route introduced by Aer Arann earlier this summer has performed “extremely well” in its first four months, according to management at the South-East Regional Airport (Waterford).

In the period from June 9 to September 30, Aer Arann carried 8,743 passengers on the route. This represents an average load factor of 70%.

Strongest demand for the service was reported in August when the average load factor increased to 92%, with 2,818 passengers transported by air between the South-East of Ireland and London-Luton.

According to the chairman of the airport, Nicholas Fewer, the performance of the new route has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations while forward bookings are strong for the remaining three months of the year.

“Both the airport and Aer Arann have been greatly encouraged by the support we have received since the new service was introduced in June. The level of traffic on the route proves beyond doubt that there is strong demand for services linking the South-East with the UK and mainland Europe.