Southampton Airport Set to See Rise in Flights to International Destinations

Flybe has annouced the purchase of 140 new aeroplanes to join their existing fleet

It has been revealed that Southampton Airport is likely to see the number of its international flights increase after airline operator Flybe announced they will provide funding for a new fleet of planes. Focussing on increasing their passenger numbers to three million per year, Flybe expressed that it was interested in creating further routes to financial centres such as Helsinki, Stuttgart and Milan.

Securing £3.3bn to pay for a new fleet of 140 planes, chief commercial officer of Flybe, Mike Rutter, explained that the company was looking to add to its 36 routes that currently depart from the airport. Increasing the number of flights to current destinations Paris and Hanover, up to ten new routes are to be proposed, creating an impressive development for Southampton Airport as it draws closer to celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Speaking of the decision to increase activities at the airport, Mr Rutter said "This is great news for Flybe and as our largest and most important operation Southampton will benefit proportionally. It was a historic time for us in 2003 when we started to transform our business in Southampton and this is equally momentous." He also added that the increase in flights could lead to the company creating an additional1,000 jobs. Flybe confirmed that 35 new aircraft have already been ordered.

The announcement comes after the airline revealed a new alliance with Air France. With passengers now able to mix and match their flights, in addition to having access to a multitude of new locations, travellers in the south-west may want to look at Southampton Airport before looking further afield.

Posted by Amanda, 22 July 2010 15:14

News tags

• Air France
• Flybe
• Hanover
• Helsinki
• Paris
• Southampton
• Stuttgart