THE ARRIVAL of award-winning airline bmibaby has boosted passenger figures at Teesside International Airport.

Demand for budget flights meant 8.5 per cent more people passed through the airport, last month compared to the corresponding month a year ago.

During the month, 45,691 passengers used the airport with three-quarters using scheduled services, including the recently introduced routes to Belfast International and Malaga, by the low-cost carrier.

Passenger numbers on flights to Aberdeen and Amsterdam also showed strong growth, with the service to Aberdeen, operated by Eastern Airways, showing double-digit growth.

Richard Whitehouse, commercial manager for the airport, said: "The new services introduced by bmibaby have proved very popular, and we are delighted by their take-up.

"Indications suggest that the soon-to-be-commenced Geneva service will also prove popular with local travellers."

The airport is waiting for confirmation of bmibaby's summer plans, when it will base aircraft at the airport. In addition to increasing the range and frequency of flights available, the Tees Valley region will receive an economic boost with the recruitment of pilots and cabin crew.