JLA Business Up 4.5% in 2011

End of year figures for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) show that over 230,000 more passengers used the airport in 2011 compared to 2010 – an increase of 4.5%.

5.3 million passengers travelled through JLA last year, making this its third busiest year ever and almost reaching levels last seen in 2008.

The reason for the year on year growth is down to the record numbers of passengers choosing to fly from JLA last Summer, with over 3.6 million travellers passing through the Airport between April and October.

The months of July, August, September and October were particularly busy, breaking all previous records for the time of year, with the highest month August, seeing over 580,000 travellers pass through the terminal - the busiest month in the Airport’s 78 year history.

Despite the difficult economic climate, holidaymakers in particular from across the North West clearly continued to value their Summer holiday abroad, taking advantage of the many value for money flights available, with the added convenience of flying from their local airport. In 2010 low cost operators easyJet and Ryanair operated flights to more summer sun destinations than ever before with a number of new holiday resorts featured for the first time.

Craig Richmond, CEO Peel Airports commented, “News of growth in our passenger numbers is a great achievement for the Airport and one that all the staff here can be proud of, particularly when we recognise that this remains an extremely challenging time for all involved in the aviation industry. The many low cost flights available from Liverpool means the region’s passengers can still afford to get away on holiday even during these difficult economic times.”

“We expect the year ahead to be one of consolidation, however work to improve passenger facilities and standards of customer service will continue as we look to make this the Airport of choice for the region’s travellers.”