East Midlands airport has busiest ever year

[January 30th 2009]

More than 5.6 million passengers used East Midlands airport in 2008, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.

Passenger numbers at East Midlands airport in 2008 were up by 3.87% compared to 2007. The airport performed particularly well in the first three quarters of 2008 helped by the introduction of several new flights.

“These figures are a great achievement for us and are evidence that the efforts we have made to improve the East Midlands Airport experience for our customers have been successful,” comments East Midlands Airport managing director, Penny Coates.

Following over 30 months of consecutive growth, passenger numbers did however decline in November and December last year. East Midlands airport says it expects this trend to continue throughout 2009 as it is affected by the recession like most businesses.

“Despite the anticipated decline in passenger numbers during these challenging times, which affect both the airport and our airline partners, we remain committed to improving the customer experience and our facilities, whilst managing a consolidated business with tight control,” says Coates.

“Maintaining our commitment to improving the customer experience and developing a well controlled, sustainable business will leave East Midlands Airport well placed to take full advantage of the economic recovery,” she adds.

Seven new destinations have been introduced for 2009/09 at East Midlands airport by the airlines bmi, bmibaby, Manx2 and Ryanair.

This week a new airport bus service started between East Midlands airport and the new East Midlands Parkway station making it easier for passengers to travel to the airport by rail. The new ‘Railink’ service operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 7am to 11.30pm using low floor buses supplied by Nottingham City Council.

“This new service will help deliver our promise of ease for the passenger and create better commuter links between the airport and the rest of the UK. We hope this will encourage more passengers to reach us by rail,” said Coates.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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