Airlines confident amid fuel rise

The South West's two local airlines say they are better placed than most to survive the steep rise in the cost of aviation fuel.

It has gone up by nearly 100% in the past year forcing some airlines to go out of business.

But Flybe and Air South West say their reliance on turboprop planes, which are more fuel efficient than many others should keep them aloft.

Turboprops recover power from the engine to turn the propellor.

'Challenging times'

The planes, of which Exeter-based Flybe has 65, are often used on small short-haul aircraft.

Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said: "This is one of the most challenging times that the aviation industry has seen.

"Companies that survive will have a low cost base, like Flybe which has invested in turboprops."

Air South West chief executive Jim Cameron said: "Three or four years ago people said that turboprops were dead, but they are coming back in a very big way indeed."

Environmentalist Peter Addie said that air travel itself was harming the environment.

He said: "When they say they are better than other planes, the others are dreadful."

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