Flybe 'the UK's leading domestic airline'

Flybe has claimed that it is now the leading domestic airline in the UK.

The regional operator cited statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) showing that it carried some 451,413 passengers in April, placing it ahead of rival airlines such as British Airways and the bmi group.

More than a quarter (26 per cent) of UK domestic passengers who flew during April travelled with Flybe, according to the CAA figures, placing the carrier at the top of the list ahead of easyJet with a 22 per cent share.

Not long after announcing Gatwick Airport as its 14th UK base, Flybe carried more domestic travellers from the hub than any other operator based there during the months of April and May.

Mike Rutter, the regional airline's chief commercial officer, said: "Just six years ago, Flybe was a distant fifth in the UK domestic market. It's a mark of how far we've come that, in less than a decade, we're now number one – a phenomenal achievement.

"We now serve 35 airports in the UK, affirming our commitment to keeping Britain on the move through these challenging economic times."

As well as offering a range of services within the UK, Flybe operates a European network that includes flights to Amsterdam, Milan and Paris.

• Busy weekend in store at Stansted Airport
• London City Airport voted best in UK
• Report highlights growth in online travel sector
• Singapore Airlines unveils new cabin products
• Improved river terminal to open in Vienna
• Boeing reveals first Dreamliner interior
• Etihad to operate more flights to Japan
• Singapore Airlines completes green flight
• Emirates increases flights to Kuala Lumpur
• Aer Arann marks anniversary of Isle of Man flights