Flybe has reported “encouraging” trading despite the “challenging” economic climate.
Passengers numbers rose by 7.7% to 1.98 million in the three months to June 30 with revenue up by 8.3% to £160.4 million.
Ticket yield per passenger rose by 3.4% to £62.27 and yield from ancillaries was up by 8% to £13.89. No profit figure was released.
The regional carrier saw its market share of UK domestic flights rise to 27.1% from 26.6% in the same period last year.
The airline recorded improved punctuality with 87.1% of flights on time compared with 85.4% in the first quarter on 2010.
In a trading update today, the Exeter-based carrier said its fuel hedging for 2011-12 had reduced its exposure to increased fuel costs.
Current trading shows forward ticket sales revenue for the remainder of the summer flying programme up by 6% on “broadly flat” capacity over the same time last year.
The growth was attributed to a mix of improved passenger numbers and ticket yields
Reporting on airline’s first quarter, chairman and chief executive Jim French said: “This is a satisfactory trading and operational performance achieved against a continuing backdrop of high fuel costs and challenging economic conditions.
“We are pleased to report encouraging increases in revenue per passenger and revenue per seat.”
He described current trading as being encouraging.
“Though at an early stage of the year and with uncertain macro-economic conditions facing us, based on current reading the board mantains its expectations for the fill year, and is ell placed to deliver on its growth plans in the coming years.”