Passenger confidence back, says low cost Buzz
Low-cost airline Buzz today became the latest budget operator to report strong passenger confidence in the wake of the US terrorist crisis.
Buzz, which flies to 16 European destinations from Stansted, Essex, is also forecasting a substantial increase in revenue from its winter schedule.
Commercial director Tony Camacho said: ‘‘Despite initial fears, public confidence in low cost European travel has bounced back.’’
His comments come after rival operators Ryanair and easyJet also reported that demand for flights had returned to normal levels.
Buzz, which is owned by the Dutch airline KLM, said bookings were back on target after falling by 15% in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
It believed passenger numbers for the winter season between November and March would be up substantially on a year earlier.
Mr Camacho added: ‘‘What we have seen is a change in booking patterns, with business flyers leaving it as late as possible to make their booking decisions.
‘‘Forward bookings are strong particularly with leisure travellers.’’
Buzz added that 97% of its flights were leaving within an hour of the stated departure time despite increased security at European airports.
