SOUTHAMPTON Airport as a departure point is proving a huge success for low cost airline flybe.

In March the airline launched five new routes from Southampton, Milan, Dublin, Jersey and Belfast and in the first month of these new services the routes achieved a load factor of more than 79 per cent.

"The extremely successful first month of operation at Southampton has been a real boost for the airline," said Ian Taylor, flybe.'s general manager market development: "We are aware that Easter falling in April this year will have been a contributory factor in boosting our passenger figures, but more importantly, our low fares and aggressive marketing campaigns are fundamental to our ongoing success.

"Direct sales have shot up in the past 12 months from six per cent to a staggering 80 per cent, proving that our winning formula of low fares and sunshine destinations is appealing to passengers. This,combined with last week's record-breaking order for 17 new aircraft, confirms our commitment to our regional network."

flybe. is introducing even more new destinations at Southampton this summer, highlighting the airline's commitment to delivering low fares to the region.

With flights to Malaga, Murcia and Toulouse starting on May 19 and Alicante, Bergerac and Ibiza joining the network on June 27, flybe. will offer a total of 12 destinations from Southampton.

"These additional routes are already showing better than anticipated reservations and we are well on the way to delivering our aim of 500,000 additional passengers travelling through Southampton this year," added Mr Taylor.