Flybe, the UK’s number one domestic carrier, is reporting demand for travel to the Edinburgh Festival is stronger than ever this year with almost 95,000 passengers flying to and from the Scottish capital during August, a forecast eight per cent increase over 2008.

With 17 direct routes to and from the city, Flybe offers three times more routes to Edinburgh than any other airline and a recent summer trend for last minute mini-breaks indicates that festival-goers are also taking advantage of Flybe Connections that allows them to conveniently connect with Flybe’s franchise partner, Loganair, and fly on to enjoy a break in the Shetland and Orkney Islands.

Civil Aviation Association (CAA) statistics recently confirmed that Flybe is the UK’s number one domestic carrier. Throughout the summer, Flybe is offering up to 226 flights a day into and around Scotland enhanced by services operated by its franchise partner, Loganair, once again demonstrating its ability to keep Britain on the move and help travellers beat the recession with a wide choice of affordable options.

Says Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer: “Our seasonal passenger numbers clearly indicate that people are determined to enjoy a UK summer and by seeking out the most convenient and affordable way to travel especially to the really big annual events such as the Edinburgh Festival.

“With travellers now also able to take advantage of onward connections to many of Scotland’s most remote and scenic destinations through our franchise partner, Loganair, our Edinburgh services are proving to be a real hot bed of activity this summer.”