Aer Lingus passenger numbers increase in August

Aer Lingus passenger numbers increased 4.1% in August, according to figures released this morning.

The number booked on short-haul routes was up 2.4% on the same month last year.

However, the number of long haul passengers booked to fly with the airline was down 4%, which is being blamed on the impact of Hurricane Irene on US air traffic.

Aer Lingus’ booked load factor in August 2011 increased by 0.4% on August 2010 to 86.1%.

Short haul booked load factor was 84.6%, an increase of 0.8% on August 2010, with capacity increasing by 2.7%.

Aer Lingus’ total booked passenger numbers, in August 2011 were 1,030,000, an increase of 1.8% compared to August 2010.

Short-haul booked passengers in August 2011 were 935,000, a 2.4% increase on August 2010 while long haul booked passengers in August 2011 were 95,000, a 4% decrease on August 2010.

Aer Lingus Regional’s total booked passenger numbers in August 2011 were 82,000, an increase of 46.4% compared to August 2010.