Easyjet sets up in Berlin

Easyjet, the UK low-cost airline, has said Berlin Schoenefeld will be its next European hub.

The airline said it would fly 11 routes to six countries from Berlin, with flights beginning in May next year.

"As the German economy returns to full strength and the European Union expands eastwards in 2004, Berlin is likely to be one of the major cultural and business growth markets of the future and Easyjet will be well-positioned to take advantage," said chief executive Ray Webster.

About 300-400 jobs would be created, Easyjet said.

The routes are London Luton, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle; Paris and Nice in France; Palma Majorca and Barcelona in Spain; Naples in Italy; Copenhagen in Denmark, and Athens in Greece.