New low-cost flights to Germany

The planes are painted to look like New York taxis

A new low-cost air route from Luton Airport to Germany began operating on Wednesday.

The German no-frills carrier Hapag-Lloyd Express, which began flying at the beginning of December, is flying to Cologne with fares starting at £12.99.

Boeing 737s, painted in black and yellow to resemble New York taxis, will fly the route three times a day.

The airline, part of the Germany company Tui's travel empire which includes Thomson Holidays, hopes to carry 1.3 million passengers in its first year.

The current fleet of four planes is expected to grow to eight by next summer.