Whilst passenger traffic through Ronaldsway Airport once more showed a decrease in July, the reduction has reportedly slowed in comparison with the first half of 2009.
In the early part of this year, monthly declines climbed to an average of 9,000 passengers; a fall in July of just under 2,200 passengers has been interpreted as a positive result.
The London market saw growth, with some 1,100 additional passengers flying between the Island and the UK capital. This has been attributed to the continuing growth of the Aer Arann London City service, which carried 5,600 of the 6,100 passengers flying to and from the Docklands airport.
Meanwhile, although there was a reduction of passengers flying to Gatwick, Flybe was still able to operate at 63% full over the month; its Luton route was also almost 60% full.
Manx2 saw increases on its Blackpool, East Midlands and Gloucester routes in July, with the popular Gloucester service carrying over 1,700 passengers, a record for one month on the route and the Blackpool route above 40%.
Routes to Liverpool and Manchester, however, each saw falls of approximately 1,500 passengers.
Airport Director Ann Reynolds said that the overall numbers were slightly better than originally predicted: "We had expected the decrease to be a percent or so higher than the outturn, so I’d like to believe that there is evidence that the worst of the decline is over," she said.
"However, the airline industry is still having a very tough time and will continue to do so, and the announcement by Eastern that they are ceasing services from the Island is evidence of this."
There has, nevertheless, been reassuring news emerging following the Eastern decision to withdraw from the Newcastle and Birmingham routes.
Manx2 has announced that it will pick up the Newcastle route, initially commencing a 4-times weekly service from 27th August and initially offering flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Also, Flybe, who saw an increase in its passenger numbers on the Birmingham route in July, will be offering additional flights on the service from early September, providing a double daily weekday schedule.
"We are very grateful to both Manx2 and Flybe for their immediate responses," added Ann.
"The Newcastle route has been an important and traditional link between the Island and the North East and it would have been very disappointing to lose it.
"Manx2 has responded very quickly and we will be working with them to help to ensure that the route is successful and develops further over the coming months and years.
"It is particularly reassuring as it means we have been able to maintain all of our routes so far during the downturn."
Minister for Transport David Anderson MHK is also heartened by the continuing trend of improving passenger results.
"Maintaining and developing the Island’s air services is fundamental to our economy and quality of life," he said.
"We have so far weathered the economic storm well, but an important ingredient of our position during the economic recovery will be the sustainability and growth of our air links.
"The indications are encouraging and I am extremely grateful for the confidence and support demonstrated by the Island’s air service operators during this difficult period."
