While just released IOM Airport passenger arrival figures for March show the island's passenger numbers down 12.5% in the first quarter, Manx2's route to Blackpool is bucking both the island and national trends with a 10.6% increase in numbers over the same period.
"Blackpool has so much to offer with the pleasure beach, rocking nightlife or for a weekend away and it's also close to cities such as Manchester and Liverpool with all they have to offer including shopping, entertainment and sport. However Blackpool is now coming into its own as a gateway to and from the North West with its excellent onward transport connections, whether it is by easy link to the UK's motorway network or for access to Cumbria and the Lake District," Manx2's chairman Noel Hayes commented.
"Manx2 have worked hard to grow this route and now with 50 flights a week between the island and Blackpool and fares starting from £19.95 single including free parking at Blackpool Airport and free drinks and snacks there for all Manx2 passengers we're seeing a very healthy increase in bookings on this route in contrast to most UK routes."
Blackpool Airport has also just been named the UK's Favourite airport in a survey by Which? magazine. The North West's other two airports; Liverpool and Manchester were ranked 23rd and 25th respectively.
"This is a great accolade for Blackpool," commented Hayes. "We know our passengers love travelling from the small regional airports and the Which? survey confirms Blackpool as the UK's favourite and now with free parking and free drinks and snacks for Manx2 passengers too, Blackpool's certainly rocking for us. Bookings for the summer are well up on last year and these first quarter figures confirm it's certainly bucking the trend".
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