Manx2.com is planning to increase the number of flights between the Isle of Man and the northeast next year.

The operator, which is based at Ronaldsway Airport, currently provides a total of up to 30 flights a day between the Island and eight destinations, and additional services are being introduced on a number of existing routes.

Noel Hayes, Chairman of Manx2.com, said, "We are in the process of finalizing the routes that we are going to expand, and will be able to make further announcements shortly.

"In the light of the VAT threat, we are considering more ways to support the requirements of the Island’s businesses and encourage tourism, so hopefully the Isle of Man community will continue to support us as fantastically as they have done so far.

"I put our success down to lower fares, great service, frequent flights, and the fact that we are providing routes to a region of England with which many Manx residents have close personal and business ties."

Manx2.com only began serving the Newcastle route in August, and also flies to Leeds Bradford and East Midlands Airport in the region.

The Hon Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, said, "I am very pleased to learn of Manx2’s intentions and commend the work that they have put in to increase the number of flights to and from the Island.

"As a locally based company, their continuing success is clearly beneficial to the Isle of Man’s economy.  The northeast region is a very important catchment area of the Island’s tourism industry and I hope that this encourages even more people to visit."