Air Southwest took over routes from Newquay and Plymouth to Gatwick

The rise has been calculated by comparing business in November with the same month last year when British Airways was operating the routes from Newquay and Plymouth to London Gatwick.

The biggest impact has been made in Newquay, where passenger numbers have increased by 20%. Numbers out of Plymouth increased by 7%, giving an average growth of 14% compared with November 2002.

The company, which is laying on 300 extra seats between Christmas and the New Year to cope with extra demand, says it has been "amazed" by the news.

New services

The airline is owned by Plymouth-based company Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc, which also owns and operates Plymouth City Airport.

It was set up after British Airways announced it was pulling out of the routes earlier this year because they were not profitable.

BA's decision to end services from Cornwall and Plymouth angered businesses in the region who rely on swift transport to London.

Mike Coombes, General Manager Commercial for Air Southwest, said: "We've been amazed by the demand for services and the growth in our first month of operation is a fantastic achievement.

BBC South West business correspondent Neil Gallacher said: "While the comparison may not be entirely fair, as 12 months ago people may have been less willing to fly than they are currently, and BA may already have been quietly running down its service, Air Southwest has made a much better start than it could ever have expected."

Air Southwest is planning to launch new services between Plymouth, Bristol and Manchester next March.