International Routes: Passenger Numbers
Aer Lingus routes have done well in 2016, although passenger numbers will fall next year given Aer Lingus have reduced frequencies on all routes.
Malaga: 67,618 (76% LF) up 24.2%
Faro: 67,151 (75% LF) up 13.7%
Palma: 29,135 (76% LF) up 253.8%
Alicante: 28,669 (75% LF) new route
Despite December stats being out, BHD flights to BRU and AMS are unavailable, but passenger numbers up to November are as follows;
Amsterdam: 38,379 (LF between 72% (0J 80Y) and 78% (9J 65Y) depending on configuration). Average 57 seats per flight.
Brussels: 18,065 (LF approx 55%). Average 52 seats per flight.
With December figures included, Amsterdam will most likely surpass 40,000 which isn't bad for the first full year of operations. The replacement of the Fokker 70 with the 88 seat E175 by October will add up to 10,000 extra seats next year, allowing the route to expand. I can't see a second daily flight being added, however, unless load factors exceed 85-90%.
Even though the Brussels flight had a rough start due to the Brussels Airport bombing several days before flights commenced, passenger numbers are pretty pathetic (Vueling cancelled BCN with approx 65% LF). And to make matters worse, SN are planning on retiring the BAe 146 within the next year, replacing it with an A319 which is an increase of over 50 seats per flight. Unless BMI Regional operate the flight with ERJ145s or SN start a huge ad campaign, I can't see the route lasting.