Manx2.com has announced that it will begin operating the first ever double daily service between the Isle of Man and Newcastle from 30th October 2009.

This announcement follows the positive passenger figures posted following the route’s first month of operation under Manx2.com, which has seen an average 63% load factor compared to an average 33% load factor achieved by the route’s former operator, Eastern Airways.

Manx2.com stepped in to rescue the Newcastle route after Eastern pulled-out of the Isle of Man in August.

The Newcastle route was launched as a four times per week service on 27th August.

On 14th October, this will increase to five return flights per week before adding a double daily Friday service on 30th October.

Flights will leave Isle of Man Airport bound for Newcastle every Friday at 10.00am and 5.15pm, returning at 11.15am and 7.05pm respectively.

In addition to the success of the Newcastle route, Manx2.com is reporting an increase of 7% in the number of passengers carried in September 2009 compared to the same month last year.

In addition to the success of the North East route, the Blackpool and Gloucester M5 routes performed particularly well, achieving an increase in passengers of 20% and 9% respectively on the 2008 statistics.

Noel Hayes, Chairman of Manx2.com, commented, "Manx2.com has just concluded its normal bi-annual operational review prior to the start of the new winter timetable.

"As part of this, the need has been identified for provision of additional services to Newcastle and this will be accommodated at the end of the month with the launch of our first double daily service to Newcastle.

"There is a definite need to expand the Island’s business links to the North East, as well as catering for Manx residents who have family members living there.

"With a tough winter ahead for everyone, it’s important we keep our operations under constant review to ensure our capacity is optimised, particularly in January and February, and ensure we have enough spare capacity to introduce additional flights where market opportunities exist.

"I’m delighted that our popular formula of lower fares and frequent flights is already producing growth in the important Newcastle market, as it has done to other key destinations including Blackpool, Gloucester and Leeds Bradford.

"This is a very positive set of results and bodes well for the tough winter ahead."

Pictured: Members of the Manx.2 crew getting into the Geordie spirit.