AirSouthwest has underlined its commitment to the South West of England’s air links with the early launch of its summer 2009 flight schedules.

The airline, which flies from Plymouth, Newquay and Bristol airports, is encouraging travellers to and from the South West to book early in order to secure its lowest prices.

Air Southwest deputy chief executive Mike Coombes commented: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that we offer our customers low fares, with no hidden extras. Our pricing policy is very simple - the earlier you book, the lower the fare.  So by making our summer 2009 flights bookable now, we are giving our customers plenty of time to grab a bargain flight.”

The airline is also claiming that the launch of its summer 2009 schedules is good news for tourism in the region.

Mr Coombes added:  “With people all over the UK feeling the pinch in their wallets, I firmly believe that places like Devon and Cornwall, the destinations of childhood memories, will be a popular choice for summer 2009, as people shun expensive foreign breaks.”

Air Southwest flies year-round from Newquay Cornwall Airport to London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds-Bradford Airport, Glasgow Airport, Newcastle, Bristol, Cork and Dublin.

At Plymouth City Airport, the airline offers year-round flights to London Gatwick, Manchester Airport, Leeds-Bradford, Glasgow, Newcastle Airport, Bristol, Cork, Dublin and Jersey.

From Bristol, Air Southwest serves Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newquay and Plymouth.

Plymouth City Airport has been ranked as the second fastest growing airport in the country after official figures revealed a 31% increase in passenger numbers.

The impressive growth has been attributed to the introduction of new flights earlier this year to Glasgow airport, Newcastle airport, Dublin and Cork by Plymouth-based law fare regional airline Air Southwest.

Civil Aviation Authority figures just released for June show a 31% increase in the number of passengers using the airport, compared to the same period last year. This compares with a national average drop in passenger numbers of 1%.

Mike Coombes, deputy chief executive of Air Southwest, said: “There’s been a lot of doom and gloom around about air travel recently so it’s good to be able to report that Plymouth is bucking the trend.

“All our new routes have been very well received. Glasgow is proving especially popular for business travellers, particularly with marine-related businesses, and for short breaks in Scotland.

“Newcastle has also seen a lot of marine and Naval-related traffic, and we’re seeing a lot of customers take advantage of the city’s legendary nightlife and its proximity to the Northumberland coast and national park.

“Our Cork and Dublin routes, which were historically operated by another carrier, have also proved popular following their reintroduction and 40% of these customers are inbound visitors attracted by golf, fishing, sailing and the region’s fine food, which is a welcome boost to the local economy.

Plymouth City Airport now serves 10 destinations. As well as the new routes introduced this year, Air Southwest flies to London Gatwick four times a day, seven days a week, and has regular services to Manchester airport, Leeds Bradford airport, Jersey and Bristol airport.

And from December 20 Air Southwest will run a new weekly service from Plymouth to the French ski resort of Grenoble.

Air Southwest has increased the number of flights from Plymouth City Airport to Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA).

The Plymouth-based low fare airline has added a second flight departing at 1635 (daily except Saturday), and is designed to complement the existing 0630 departure.

Mike Coombes, Deputy Chief Executive of Air Southwest said: “We have found there is increasing demand for flights to Leeds Bradford from Plymouth, and this additional service will give added flexibility for business and leisure travellers alike. At a time when more people are looking to spend their holidays in the UK, improved air links to the South West are playing an important part in increasing the region’s attractiveness as a short break and holiday destination.”

All flights to Leeds airport can be booked online now at www.airsouthwest.com starting from £39 one way including taxes and charges.

For up-to-date Leeds airport information and to book Leeds airport parking and Leeds airport hotels click on the links.

Aviation and classic car enthusiasts will descend on Plymouth City Airport next month for a fly-in event organised by members of the Devon Strut flying club and official MG Car Club.

In aid of the Juvenile Diabetic Research Foundation, the fundraiser will be held on Sunday 31 August from 11am onwards.

There will be a range of aircraft on display, together with around 25 members of the official MG Car Club, Devon and Cornwall Centre (South Hams) showing their cars in the Airport car park. There will also be vintage military vehicles and motorbikes alongside Jaguar cars.

Entry is free via the Tavistock Road entrance, on the north side of the airfield – visitors are advised to look for road signs, to be directed to park on the grass verges.