A NEW Flybe service from the North-East to London Stansted is among the flights set to boost the regional economy, said airport chiefs.

Flybe has started operating its summer schedule from Newcastle Airport which features five routes including a twice daily service to Stansted; daily flights to Belfast City and Exeter; a multi-frequency service to Southampton and the return of seasonal Saturday flights to Newquay between May and September.

One way fares are from £27.99 including taxes and charges.

Leon McQuaid, Newcastle Airport’s aviation development manager, said: “We’re delighted to launch this new double daily service to London Stansted. The route will improve connectivity to the South East of England and drive economic growth. Regional connectivity is important for both business and leisure travellers so we’re thrilled to welcome Stansted to the schedule.

“London Stansted is not only a gateway to the capital, but also gives very easy access to the surrounding counties of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.”

Not to be outdone, easyJet has put its winter schedule on sale with a record number of flights and routes available. More than 1,900 easyJet flights are set to take place to and from Newcastle between October 2015 and February 2016 providing more than 310,000 seats.