Aer Lingus Regional announces 35% increase in May passenger numbers

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air, has announced a 35% increase in passenger numbers for the month of May 2014 compared to the same month last year.

It represents the eleventh consecutive month of passenger growth for the airline.

May 2014 was a record breaking month for the airline as it flew 122,079 passengers, 31,589 more than May 2013 and 1,191 more than the previous record set in August 2013.

Total passenger numbers for the year to date are up 23% compared to this time last year.

Passenger numbers on the airline’s Dublin routes were up 49%, with the Dublin-Kerry route seeing an increase of 21% in May.

The Dublin–Bristol route saw an increase of 22% due to the deployment of new aircraft on the route and an increase to three daily flights for the summer months.

Passenger numbers on the airline’s Cork services saw a second consecutive month of growth with an 11% increase from the same month last year.

The Cork-Bristol route increased by 14%, while the Cork-Manchester route saw a 17% increase in May.

A focus on providing services for major sporting events continued to be a key driver in passenger growth, the airline said.

May’s Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff contributed a 44% monthly increase in passenger numbers on the airline’s services to the Welsh capital alone.

Routes from Shannon Airport also saw a significant growth with a 15% increase in May compared to the same month last year.

Commenting, Simon Fagan, Chief Commercial Officer, Stobart Air said: "May 2014 was a record period for us and our eleventh successive month of passenger growth. New and expanded routes, along with our investment in new aircraft are resonating with passengers.

"It is notably that growth is occurring across the network and at each of our bases in Dublin, Shannon and Cork."