The number of passengers using Exeter International Airport in the past twelve months has reached one million. This is an increase of 15 per cent on the previous twelve months and makes Exeter one of the fastest growing airports in the UK.
To mark this historic milestone, the airport identified Helen Veale who was flying from the airport on Tuesday 10 April 2007 and she became the first ever Millionth Passenger in one Year.
Helen, who was travelling with partner Michael and daughter Ellie Star were notified of their significance after check-in and given vouchers for travel and shopping plus free parking at the airport. Before boarding the First Choice aircraft to Tenerife the ‘special’ passengers were also given a bottle of Champagne together with a certificate which stated their importance. When asked by the TV and newspaper reporters how she felt about being the one millionth passenger, Helen replied, “Its not what I expected when we left our home in Cornwall this morning… it was a great surprise when we heard that we were special and the gifts have been wonderful.”
John Spooner, Acting Managing Director for Exeter International Airport said: “This is a momentous occasion in the history of the airport. The airport welcomed it first flight 70 years ago but the growth in passenger traffic has been phenomenal in recent years.” The airport’s growth has been significant since the spring of 2004 and the introduction of Flybe scheduled services. In that year the airport had a 70% passenger number increase and reached the landmark of a half million passengers for the period.”
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer for, Exeter based airline, Flybe said: “Flybe has been responsible for nearly three quarters of the passengers that have made up the million and we congratulate the airport on attaining this landmark figure in its growth.”
The airport offers 23 scheduled service routes, which will soon be increased to 25 and a similar number of summer charter holiday destinations from Exeter. This year travellers from the south west will also have the choice of two carriers on the route to Toronto.
