AN airport has started German flights with a new operator, with bosses aiming to appeal to North-East businesses’ global growth plans.

Leeds Bradford Airport’s Dusseldorf services alongside Flybe are now under way.

The year-round flights will depart up to six-times-aweek, with chief executive Davey Laws previously telling The Northern Echo he believes they can be a catalyst for greater commercial demand at the site thanks to the city’s status as a global business and financial centre.

The airport had operated Dusseldorf flights for a number of years alongside operator Jet2, but, when that carrier stopped flights last week, Flybe, which also runs services to Belfast and Newquay from the site, took over.

Chris Sanders, aviation development director, said: “This provides customers with connectivity to one of Europe’s key business destinations.

Dusseldorf Airport’s rail station provides access to a variety of destinations in Germany, with Frankfurt under two hours away and Cologne less than 50 minutes.

“This latest service is an indication of the intention we have to strengthen our route offering.”