Passenger numbers fall at airport
BIRMINGHAM Airport saw passenger numbers fall by more than 7% year-on-year in January – but chief executive Paul Kehoe says he remains confident about the airport’s outlook.
The airport handled 521,566 travellers through its two terminals in the first month of the year, including 424,912 scheduled passengers and 96,654 charter passengers.
Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “As expected 2010 has begun in much the same way as 2009 concluded. The year-on-year decrease in passenger numbers of 7.2% is still healthier than many other airports have reported, and I feel that the Airport is better prepared for the turbulent economic conditions that will face us, as opposed to 12 months ago.
“Last year saw the completion of a number of high-profile projects, such as the new £50m International Pier, and investment will continue in the shape of a new state-of-the-art Airport Control Centre and the commencement of our £13m One-Terminal project. It is this ambition that will position Birmingham as well placed to take advantage of the economic upturn, whether that arrives later this year or in 2011.”
During January significant growth was achieved on scheduled flights to destinations such as Larnaca, Bratislava, Tenerife, Hamburg, Istanbul and Dubai.
Charter traffic which experienced growth included Cyprus, Tunisia, Spain, Italy and Portugal (+3.1%).
Scheduled traffic accounted for 81.5% of the total passenger traffic in January whilst charter passengers made up the remaining 18.5%.
Earlier this month, the airport stepped up its campaign to restore direct scheduled flights to India, two years after Air India cancelled its regular5 service to the sub continent.
West Midlands businesses are being urged to back the campaign, which is supported by Birmingham City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies. For the full story, click here.
To support the campaign to restore direct flights between Birmingham and India, go to http://flyindia.birminghamairport.co.uk/
