Go plans to expand its fleet to at least 80 aircraft by 2008.

It currently operates 20 leased Boeing 737-300s, with seven more arriving this year.

Go is assessing offers from Boeing and Airbus for new planes.

Its other option is to continue to take advantage of the secondhand aircraft market.

Chief operating officer Ed Winter says: "We have an aggressive plan for growth. We began operations at London Stansted in 1998 with three routes, and now fly to 21 destinations.

"Last year, we opened a second base in Bristol and, today, services begin from our third base at East Midlands Airport."

Mr Winter says: "Going forward, we plan to open a new base each year, and we will need to expand to a fleet of at least 80 aircraft by 2008."

He adds: "We are currently completing the analysis, and will be reaching a decision in the next few months.

"It is important for the aircraft manufacturers to come up with the right offer, as we are committed to flying a single fleet type in order to keep driving our costs down."

Go starts flying from East Midlands to Alicante today