Stobart Air reports another jump in passenger numbers

Passenger numbers for Aer Lingus Regional , which is now operated by Stobart Air, rose by 9 per cent in March - marking the company's ninth consecutive month of growth.

Stobart, known formerly as Aer Arann, said it flew 94,242 passengers last month, up from 86,610 for the same period last year.

A breakdown of the figures showed passengers flying to and from Dublin jumped 27 per cent during March.

The Kerry - Dublin route also saw a strong increase of 14 per cent compared to same month last year.

Cork’s passenger numbers were down slightly by 2 per cent but, according to the company, those numbers had exceeded expectations due to Easter being in March last year.

In the past month the airline has rolled out its two new ATR 72-600 aircraft. One will service the Dublin-Bristol and Dublin-Cardiff routes, and the other will exclusively operate routes from Cork Airport.

The airline said it was now operating its summer schedule which has seen an expansion of a number of routes, including the Dublin - Jersey route which will operate five flights per week.

Commenting on the numbers, Stobart Air's commercial director Simon Fagan said: "The airline is continuing to experience a sustained rise in passengers connecting with Aer Lingus transatlantic services, particularly from Newcastle and Glasgow."

"We are especially pleased with the 27 per cent increase on our Dublin routes, including the Isle of Man and Kerry services."

“With new routes, new aircraft and expanded services on existing routes, the outlook for Aer Lingus Regional is looking more and more positive with each passing month,” he said.

Last month Aer Lingus Regional reported a 13 per cent increase in its passenger numbers in February compared to the same month last year.

Total passenger numbers are up 14 per cent to date in 2014 compared to this time last year.