Flybe have announced a new service between Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) and George Best Belfast City Airport starting on February 2 2015.

Europe’s largest regional airline will be operating three departures a day, Monday to Friday and one departure on Saturdays and Sundays, with fares from £24.99 one way including taxes and charges.

Managers at LJLA believe this new route could generate an additional 50,000 departing passengers per year. Belfast has a well-established Business and Financial Services sector and the new service is expected to be particularly popular with the region’s business passengers, who will now be able to fly direct from Liverpool to Belfast City Airport and be in the City’s business district just 10 minutes after leaving the airport.

Director of air service development for Liverpool John Lennon Airport Mark Povall said: “Flybe have been operating from Liverpool for a number of years and we’re delighted that they are committed to expand their business from here.

"We know that demand for this service to Belfast City is strong and we will also continue to look at further opportunities for Flybe to serve the Liverpool City Region, at what is an exciting time for both the airline and ourselves.”

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Flybe’s chief commercial officer Paul Simmons, added: "We are committed to providing easy and affordable connectivity throughout the UK at competitive prices with maximum flexibility and choice.

“Flybe has, over the last twelve months, undergone a significant overhaul of the business and this has resulted in a more cost-effective, efficient and flexible operation, enabling us to increase the number of routes we can offer to better serve the travelling needs of both our business and leisure customers.”

Seats on sale now at www.flybe.com .