Flybe, the UK’s Number One domestic airline, is preparing for a busy week ahead that indicates a healthy return to holiday travel with ticket sales to date up 16% over the same period last year.  Load factors are topping 90% on routes with Good Friday being one of the busiest days as people head off to enjoy the first long holiday of the year.

A boost in sales follows Flybe’s announcement last week that it is again helping keep Britain on the move by increasing frequency and availability wherever necessary during next week’s four-day national rail strike due to begin on Tuesday April 6th. Network Rail’s own advice to its customers ‘to make alternative travel arrangements on these dates wherever possible’ has also contributed to Easter sales.  Those of the airline’s regional services where rail routes are expected to experience proposed disruption are proving particularly brisk such as those serving Scotland such as Birmingham to Glasgow, while ticket sales on Flybe’s Birmingham to Edinburgh route are 31% up when compared with those over the same four-day post Easter period 2009; and those wishing to ensure they can quickly reach the many attractions of the South West are booking with Flybe’s popular London Gatwick to Newquay service.

Other regional routes that make it affordable and convenient to visit friends and family and high on Flybe’s top destination list are flights to and from regional France, Germany and Spain.

High on the popularity list include:

  * Birmingham to and from Belfast City; Paris Charles de Gaulle; Hannover
  * Manchester to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle; Frankfurt
  * Southampton to and from Amsterdam; Palma Mallorca; Avignon and Nice; Belfast City
  * Jersey to and from London Gatwick

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer comments: “We are pleased to report such a significant return to Easter holiday travel after the challenging economic conditions of last year. Flying to and from 70 regional UK and European airports, Flybe is in a better position than any other regional airline to meet the demands over what is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“Travelling direct from regional airports is a very convenient option for families, as it allows them to avoid heavily congested roads. With rail journeys all over the country looking like they could be severely disrupted over Easter, adding to already lengthy weekend journey times, travelling with the UK’s number one domestic airline offers a very attractive and affordable option.”