Leading no-frills airline easyJet delivered a boost to the Highlands of Scotland today by announcing its intention to introduce a new route between Inverness and Belfast International Airport.

Details of the start date, timetable and fares will be announced in the coming weeks. easyJet already operates services to the Highlands with 14 return flights each week between Inverness and London Gatwick and London Luton airports.

The decision was welcomed by HIAL, the operator of Inverness Airport.

Bob Macleod, Managing Director of HIAL said: “This is excellent news for the region and we believe there is considerable demand for this link both within the Highlands and in Northern Ireland.

“Inverness passenger numbers are growing at a rate of 21% in the current year and we are on target to handle almost 575,000 passengers at Inverness by the end of March 2005. This new route will further boost the airport’s performance and bring more people into the Highlands for business and leisure.”

James Walton, Inverness Airport Manager with HIAL, said: “easyJet has been a customer airline since 1996 and we are delighted that they are expanding their operation at Inverness. They introduced Gatwick-Inverness in early 2003 with great success and I am sure that Belfast will prove equally successful for them.”

ENDS