Aer Arann announces new services from Derry

Aer Arann, Ireland's regional airline, has announced the introduction of two new services from City of Derry Airport to Manchester and Birmingham.

Commencing June 7, the new routes are projected to carry 18,000 passengers each during their first year of operation.

The airline also recently announced two additional services to Manchester from Waterford and Kerry and a Birmingham to Galway service, which will start on May 3.

Both services will operate Monday to Friday with fares from £39.99 (€59.99) one way plus tax and flights will be operated on a 48-seater ATR42 aircraft.

These new routes will bring the airline's total number of British routes to sixteen, as well as providing six domestic routes serving the regional Irish airports.

Jennifer Mooney, Commercial Manager, Aer Arann said: ''We are confident that there will be substantial demand and uptake of both services in the departure and destination regions''.

Airport Manager Seamus Devine welcomed the introduction of both services said he was hoped to work with Aer Arann in the future development of new routes from the City of Derry Airport.

The carrier currently operates over 124 flights per week in and out of British airports with a further six British routes to be added during the summer season with the introduction of services from Birmingham to Galway and City of Derry; Manchester to City of Derry, Waterford and Kerry; and Glasgow Prestwick to Donegal.