Scheduled service back at airport

One of Europe's biggest low cost carriers is to start flying out of Kent International Airport from next summer.

Flybe will be operating weekly flights to Jersey - one of the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands.

Matt Clarke, chief executive of the airport, said it would be the first scheduled passenger service since the airport came under Infratil ownership.

"I am looking forward to working with Flybe whose arrival is a major vote of confidence in the airport," he said.

Flybe operates more than 180 routes and carried more than seven million passengers last year.

'Hassle-free experience'

Mr Clarke added: "Flybe has been ahead of the game in recognising the benefits and growing importance of regional airports.

"We know from the excellent passenger loads achieved by charter operators that the demand for flights to and from Jersey exists.

"Now people in Kent and beyond will benefit from a scheduled service as well as the hassle-free experience of flying from Kent International."

In October, the airport announced a 25-year expansion plan which would see traffic levels increased.

Owners Infratil said they hoped a million passengers would use the site each year by 2011, rising to six million by 2033.

Source: BBC News England