News Release (15/03/11)
Landmark reached as thousands fly in for Cheltenham Festival
Ryanair reached a major landmark today (Monday 14 March 2011) when the airline carried its six millionth passenger from Bristol Airport.
Keely Jarvis from Aberdare, South Wales was the lucky six millionth passenger when she landed at Bristol Airport on the Ryanair flight from Dublin. To mark the occasion, Keely was presented with a bottle of champagne by Ryanair’s Sales and Marketing Executive, Maria Macken. She also received a pair of return tickets to Valencia with Ryanair from Bristol.
The landmark coincides with the start of a busy week for Ryanair, with thousands of passengers flying in during the four day Cheltenham Festival. This continues the influx of Irish passengers to Bristol Airport which began at the weekend with Irish rugby fans en route to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Wales.
Starting with just one route in 1997, Ryanair now bases five aircraft at Bristol Airport, serving 29 destinations, including the addition of Ibiza from 28 March. Other popular routes include Venice, Beziers, Malta and Marrakesh.
Shaun Browne, Aviation Director at Bristol Airport, said:
“When you consider that the number of passengers carried by Ryanair since it started operations from Bristol Airport is around 14 times the population of the city itself, it is clear how big an impact low fares flying has had on our travel habits. For many people, destinations which were previously out of reach are now accessible for business, holiday breaks or visiting friends and family.”
Ryanair’s Maria Macken said:
“Ryanair is delighted to welcome its six millionth passenger at Bristol Airport. Ryanair has gone from strength to strength at Bristol since it commenced operations at the airport in 1997 with one route to Shannon. This summer Ryanair will offer passengers the choice of 29 top destinations from Bristol airport so don’t miss out and log on to www.ryanair.com today”.