Local airline Manx2.com experienced a record-breaking year in 2009 by carrying more than 100,000 passengers.

Manx2.com Chairman Noel Hayes (pictured) said, "I am delighted by our passenger figures.  To have carried 106,924 people to and from the Island last year is a landmark achievement for our company.

"Our performance levels were also sky high, with 94 per cent of all our flights either landing early or on time.  Our routes to Blackpool, Gloucester, Newcastle and East Midlands have also all grown and in a year when Isle of Man passenger numbers have reduced by 6 per cent in total.

"The main reason both our Gloucester and Blackpool routes have done so well is because both airports offer free parking to our inbound passengers and in Blackpool visitors receive free drinks and snacks in the Airport’s executive lounge making this destination the ideal gateway to and from the North West.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all our staff, passengers and friends who have helped make 2009 a record-breaking year for us.  All of us on the Island know that we can make a difference by supporting local businesses and buying Manx so thank you to those of you who also choose to fly Manx!"

Over the Christmas and New Year, every passenger arrived at their destination and even though some flights were re-scheduled due to heavy snow and freezing fog no passengers were left stranded.

Despite the weather, Manx2.com also achieved an impressive average of 92 per cent of flights leaving on time or early over the festive season.