Flybe to introduce 16 new routes in 2010

Flybe will expand its European network with the addition of 16 new routes in 2010.

Travellers will be offered several new links to France, with flights to Avignon, Bordeaux, Limoges and Rennes being introduced from Birmingham Airport.

Manchester Airport will get new links to Avignon and Bergerac, while Southampton Airport will host Flybe services to Verona in Italy.

Travellers based in the Channel Islands will be offered connections from Guernsey to Belfast and Edinburgh and from Jersey to Glasgow and Durham Tees Valley.

Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said: "In an environment in which other airlines are withdrawing services, we're delighted to be offering close to 4,000 summer flights a week that include the operation of another 16 brand new routes.

"We are committed to ensuring that Flybe offers an extensive range of affordable quality flights to the widest possible range of attractive destinations."

EasyJet, one of Flybe's biggest rivals, has also announced plans for an expansion which will reportedly make it the biggest airline in the north of England.

• Flybe promotes flights to France
• Austrian Airlines targets 1m extra passengers this year
• Skiers urged to consider Austria for a late-season trip
• British Airways staff offer to work during strike
• Paris festival to celebrate jazz
• BAA signs contract for construction of Heathrow Terminal 2
• Travellers promised value for money in Malaysia
• Bmi to launch London Heathrow to Berlin flights this month
• Whale sharks arrive in Western Australia
• British Airways reveals strike contingency plans