Aer Arann is considering new routes to Britain from Kerry following higher than expected passenger numbers on the Kerry-Manchester route serving the British midlands.
Kerry Airport was now being looked at as a major growth area for international access to the south and midwest by the airline, and five flights a week were being provided to the British midlands over the winter months, Aer Arann confirmed yesterday.
New routes were also being negotiated.
About 17,000 passengers a month were now being flown in and out of Kerry by Aer Arann, the bulk of these on the Dublin route, the company said.
Numbers on the Manchester route at 95 per cent capacity have exceeded expectations and the Kerry Lorient (Brittany) route has also recording a 95 per cent load factor. Figures are up 17 per cent on 2006.
A marketing drive by Fáilte Ireland and the airline had seen a great response with British weekend break traffic particularly busy. "The real selling point" was that the airport "is only 15 minutes from Killarney", said Colin Lewis of Aer Arann.