News Release (21/04/08)
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL REACHES SIX MILLION LANDMARK
Passenger numbers at Bristol International have reached the six million mark for the first time in the airport’s history.
The figure, based on the number of passengers passing through the airport in a rolling 12 month period, was reached on 21st April when Gary Vallerius checked in for the 11:05 Air France flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Bristol International is the fifth largest UK outside London, and the ninth biggest in the country. However, recent increases in passenger numbers have been achieved hand in hand with significant reductions in the number of aircraft movements (down by just under 10 per cent in 2007) and the number of night flights.
Bristol International’s origins date back to 1927, when £6,000 was raised through public subscriptions to inaugurate a flying club. The first Bristol Airport opened at Whitchurch in 1930, before moving to its current site in 1957. In the first year of operation, the new airport handled an impressive 33,000 passengers! You can now fly direct to 120 destinations in 29 countries from Bristol International, with major airlines including Continental, Lufthansa, easyJet, Ryanair, Air France and KLM.
Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Bristol International Airport, said:
“I’m sure the pioneers of air travel in Bristol would be proud to see the truly international airport that has grown from the seeds they planted. We believe recent trends show airlines are operating more efficiently than ever from Bristol International, with the average number of passengers per aircraft now over 100. This example demonstrates how we can meet continued demand for air travel from the South West sustainably.”
Christine Ourmieres, General Manager, Air France KLM, UK & Ireland, said:
“Air France is delighted to be part of this historic occasion at Bristol International Airport. Furthermore it is the perfect way to celebrate our first anniversary of operations from the airport. We welcome the continued support of both the local community and the airport for the Air France KLM flights.”