Air carrier Flybe is increasing the number of flights from Norwich to Manchester in a move which will create 15 new jobs.

Flybe's franchise carrier Loganair will be basing an aircraft at Norwich International airport from March to offer a wider range of domestic air services, creating the extra jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineering staff in the city.

The 31-seat fast Dornier 328 turboprop aircraft will enable the airline to provide an increased schedule of Flybe flights to Manchester, which will see three return flights each weekday from March 5 next year.

The air carrier said the new timetable would provide an enhanced choice of flight timings, starting and finishing the working day in Norwich, and would improve the range of connections available via Manchester to destinations throughout the UK and worldwide.

From Sunday, March 25, a new daily non-stop Flybe service between Norwich and Exeter will also be introduced.

Loganair's Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Hinkles said: 'We are delighted to be bringing our successful formula to Norwich of frequent flights, easy connections and a range of fares to suit both business and leisure travellers.

'The introduction of the 31-seat Dornier 328 aircraft will enable us to provide more Flybe flights to Manchester and to restore links between Norwich and the West Country.

'Both will save customers from arduous road or rail journeys and we believe will prove hugely popular throughout the year.

'Improved air links and the creation of new jobs in the city is great news for Norwich.'

Andrew Bell, chief executive of Norwich International airport, said increased frequency to Manchester and a daily flight to Exeter were among the top requests from the region's travelling public.

'Loganair's philosophy of frequent, reliable service coupled with Flybe's significant brand strength is an exciting development, and we are confident that today's announcement will act as a springboard for Loganair and Flybe to grow the number of air links available from Norwich in the future,' Mr Bell said.

The new Norwich services, will be operated on Loganair's behalf by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cambridge-based Suckling Airways.

shaun.lowthorpe@archantco.uk