New flights create 200 extra jobs

A holiday company, which launched its low-fares airline last year, will offer flights from Bournemouth International Airport from March 2005.

Thomson hopes the expansion of the Dorset airport will create 200 jobs.

Thomsonfly.com flies to 10 European destinations, but has yet to reveal its new Bournemouth routes.

The airport celebrates 60 years of commercial flights in November. About 500,000 passengers are expected to use the facility between 2004 and 2005.

Bournemouth is one of the fastest growing towns in Europe making it a great choice for a new base. Alex Hunter

The news follows the firm's announcement earlier this month that it is axing 900 jobs from its UK workforce in a bid to compete with internet booking companies.

The company - owned by the German holiday giant TUI - will operate two Boeing 737 aircraft out of Bournemouth.

The airline will offer one-day fares starting from under £20.

'Boost to local economy'

Alex Hunter, chief commercial officer at Thomsonfly.com, said: "The number of low cost routes is very limited from Bournemouth so our flights will open this up dramatically and this is a real opportunity for us.

"Bournemouth is one of the fastest growing towns in Europe making it a great choice for a new base.

"People want to be able to choose from a range of leisure destinations at low fares without having to travel to a London airport.

"The routes will also provide a new gateway to the UK for overseas travellers, providing an extra boost for the local economy."

Bournemouth becomes the company's third regional base behind Coventry, and Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield airport, which will operate flights from next spring.