Flybe is to cease direct flights between the Isle of Man and Southampton.

The direct service will end on 29 February 2012, however, it will still be possible to fly between the two destinations via Manchester.

Ann Reynolds, Director of Isle of Man Airport, told Manx Radio that she was disappointed for the Island but it was no surprise given the passenger numbers over the last 12 months.

Manx2.com has nominated the Royal British Legion IOM as their charity of the year for 2012.

The support for the Isle of Man branch of the Royal British Legion will include flight tickets to help raise money for the charity and also travel support for Isle of Man-based service personnel – who are having their travel warrants withdrawn in the near future.

Manx2.com staff have also committed to raise money and awareness for the charity throughout 2012 – and as in 2011 they will participate in events such as the Parish Walk and a sponsored Plane pull and for this summer they are planning a Swing Night with 1940’s music, food and a static Spitfire display.

Colonel Charles Wilson, Royal British Legion IOM: ‘Following on our 90th anniversary last year we are thrilled to receive support from Manx2.com and all their staff. The contribution will undoubtedly prove a real boost to our work here in the Isle of Man and will be very much appreciated.”

Noel Hayes, Chairman, Manx2.com added: “Royal British Legion IOM is a key Isle of Man charity and continues to make an invaluable contribution here providing financial, social and emotional support to those who are serving or who have served in the armed forces, and their dependants. We are looking forward to working with them to ensure Manx men and women serving in the forces are not disadvantaged when returning home from duty and also helping the Legion’s fund raising throughout 2012.”

The weather disruptions at the end of 2010 had a significant impact of air travel as can be witnessed by the large increases in December 2011 passenger traffic compared with 2010 experienced by many airports, particularly the Isle of Man Airport.

The airport at Ronaldsway saw a 16.8% increase in passengers in December 2011 when compared to December 2010.

The strong finish to the year saw passenger numbers in 2011 increase by almost 28,000 – an increase of more than 4% when compared to total passenger numbers in 2010.

Commenting on the increase, IOM Airport Director, Ann Reynolds, said, “Like many airports, we originally expected 2011 to be a year of significant recovery, but it became clear very early on in 2011 that the economic difficulties experienced by the UK and Europe would preclude this.”

“However, what we have seen here in the Isle of Man, especially in the latter half of the year, is steadily improved performance which is now much closer to our original forecasts. The good December passenger levels have therefore meant that the Airport has turned in a solid 4% increase in passengers for 2011, despite the tough times that the domestic air travel industry is enduring.”

London Oxford Airport has announced the addition of two new year-round destinations.

From 8 May 2012, Manx2.com will operate daily scheduled flights to the Islands of Jersey and the Isle of Man.

This will be the first time Manx2.com has operated flights from Oxford.

Monday to Saturday flight schedule:

• Isle of Man to Oxford departs IoM 10:55, arrives Oxford 12:05
• Oxford to Isle of Man departs Oxford 15:15, arrives Isle of Man 16:25
• Oxford to Jersey – departs Oxford 12:25, arrives Jersey 13:30
• Jersey to Oxford – departs Jersey 13:50, arrives Oxford 14:55

Sunday times depart 15:30 for Jersey, 18:20 for IOM

“This is a terrific start to the New Year for the residents of Oxford and our wider catchment area, with more than five million people residing within an hour’s drive of the airport,” said Chris Orphanou, Managing Director.

“We are delighted to welcome Manx2.com and its regular Jetstream 31 flights to these two important Crown Dependencies. As Jersey and the Isle of Man no longer have air services to London Heathrow, this service will be a viable alternative for Islanders heading west of London. In addition the new services will benefit the local community with expanded tourism and ancillary revenues. Wealthy creation for the region could be considerable,” he added.

The Isle of Man route will appeal to the leisure market, ideal for short breaks with its stunning scenery and unspoilt beaches, as well as business travellers with interests in offshore banking, aircraft and shipping management, finance and tourism. Jersey has been an extremely popular charter destination, with the airport supporting Saturday services for the past three years. London Oxford Airport can now offer terrific flexibility to the Channel Islands, one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, offering accommodation to suit all tastes from camping to five star luxury hotels.

Manx2.com is to increase its services between the Isle of Man and Gloucester.

The airline has announced that from the end of October it will operate a third daily flight on Mondays and Fridays – the airline currently operates twice-daily weekday flights between the two destinations.

Chairman of Manx2.com Noel Hayes said: ‘Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties have so much to offer, including stunning scenery, outdoor activities, history and great shopping and these flights provide an ideal gateway to the area.’

Mr Hayes added: ‘In addition to its ideal M5 motorway location, Gloucestershire Airport is fast acquiring the reputation of being the easiest airport in Europe to travel through; our passengers are usually out of the airport and in their cars within five minutes of touchdown. And with no car parking charges at all to pay, leaving Gloucester Airport is not just fast, it’s free.’

Flybe has launched a new Student Baggage Discount product allowing passengers possessing a valid student ID to carry two bags weighing up to 40 kg in total for the price of only one standard hold bag when travelling to and from Belfast, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Those students booking online will need to book only one standard bag during the booking process at the normal rate and then produce their valid Student ID when checking in at the airport Bag Drop with the second bag that will be accepted free of charge.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer comments: “We recognise that students are facing escalating costs and also appreciate the additional travel costs incurred by those living ‘off’ the UK mainland and in Northern Ireland. As a result we are pleased to offer this ‘buy one, get one free’ offer under the premise that every little helps. We feel sure our buy one get one free Student Baggage deal is going to prove popular with those flying to and from these four key destinations.”

Mystery surrounds a new airline that claims to be establishing a base at the Isle of Man Airport.

According to its website, Ellan Vannin Airways is set to take up residency in EuroManx House at the IOM airport and launch flights in 2012 from the Isle of Man, Cambridge and Oxford airports.

The airline is already advertising jobs through totaljobs for bases at Oxford, Isle of Man, Cambridge and Liverpool, however, the Isle of Man Examiner reports no approach has been made to the airport managers at Ronaldsway.

Ann Reynolds, airport director at Ronaldsway Airport, told the Examiner, “I haven’t heard of the airline and no formal approach has been made as yet.”

“I can’t see what routes they might operates as their hubs seem very strange.”

“Under normal circumstances airlines wishing to use Ronaldsway as a hub would approach me for details on fees and charges, advice on routes, training and handling agents.”

Flybe has announced the early release of some of its most popular routes for Winter 2011-12 season.

Included are sun and ski destinations from Exeter, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Southampton, as well as 10 key routes to and from London Gatwick airport.  Seats are currently on sale or travel from 30th October, 2011 to January 8th, 2012.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “Flybe recognises that people are keen to plan ahead for their holidays and business trips and so, because of popular demand, we have put 24 of our most popular routes on sale earlier than usual this year. We are committed to responding to our passengers’ needs so they can plan their winter travel in advance and take advantage of the lowest possible ‘early bird’ fares.”

Highlights of the early bird Winter 2011-12 routes are as follows:

London Gatwick

• Aberdeen – Up to 38 flights a week from 30th October
• Belfast – Up to 58 flights a week from 30th October
• Guernsey – Up to 66 flights a week from 30th October
• Inverness – Up to 38 flights a week from 30th October
• Isle of Man – Up to 52 flights a week from 30th October
• Jersey – Up to 62 flights a week from 30th October
• Leeds Bradford
• Nantes – Up to 22 flights a week from 30th October
• Newcastle – Up to 44 flights a week from 30th October
• Newquay – Up to 36 flights a week from 30th October

Birmingham

• Chambery – Flights operate Saturdays/Sundays from 17th December

Exeter

• Alicante – Flights operate Tuesday/Friday from 30th October with added Thursday and Saturday flights over Christmas and New Year
• Malaga – Flights operate Thursday and Sundays from 30th October
• Chambery – Flights operate Saturdays and Sundays from 17th December
• Geneva – Flights operate Saturdays from 17th December
• Salzburg – Flights operate Saturdays from 17th December

Isle of Man

• Geneva – Flights operate Saturdays from  December 17th

Jersey

• Geneva – Flights operate Saturdays from  December 17th

Southampton

• Alicante – Flights operate Monday/Thursday/Saturdays from 30th October
• Malaga – Flights operate Tuesday/Fridays with added Saturdays over Christmas
• Bern – Flights operate Saturdays from 17th December
• Chambery – Flights operate four times a week from 17th December
• Geneva – Flights operate four times a week from 17th December
• Salzburg – Flights operate Saturdays from 17th December

Manx2.com has announced the launch of summer season flights between the Isle of Man and Anglesey.

The flights, which are seen as a welcome boost for tourism and leisure throughout both Celtic countries, will commence on 1 June and operate until 5 September.

Services will depart every Friday and Monday, with fares from just £39 single, with an extra service every Wednesday from 22 July.

Manx2.com recently won a four year contract to operate flights between Anglesey and Cardiff. The contract, awarded by the Welsh Assembly Government, followed the airline’s successful operation of the route for seven months in 2010.

Manx2.com has announced it is teaming up with a new handling team at its Isle of Man base.

The airline has awarded a two-year contract to Manx-owned company, Rendezvous Handling Services, to carry out Manx2.com’s passenger and aircraft handling services at the Isle of Man airport.

The appointment of Rendezvous Handling Services will see a further investment in customer service standards starting with the launch of a unique new product for the island – kerbside check in.

From 7 March, Manx2.com will exclusively offer kerbside check in to customers that use its partner Rendezvous Speedy Park. This service is a first for the Island and offers an optional alternative to the traditional, airport self-park and check in. Passengers opting to use this new service will find a smooth and easy way to park their car, have assistance with their bags and by-pass check in and go straight to airport security.

Manx2.com Chairman Noel Hayes said: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Rendezvous Handling Services as the new Manx2.com handling agent. Their team has many years’ experience and their attention to detail and commitment to customer service fit well with the Manx2.com ethos of going above and beyond for our customers.

‘Being able to bring kerbside check-in to our customers, for the first time in the Isle of Man, is also a massive coup for us. Our passengers will now be able to deliver their vehicles to Rendezvous Speedy Park at very competitive rates and receive their boarding card for their flight all in one easy and convenient process. They can then go straight through airport security and our Gold passengers can head to the Rendezvous Executive Lounge in departures, making the Manx2.com experience faster, better and more convenient for our passengers – and this kerbside service is exclusive to Manx2!’