Today easyJet, the UK's largest low cost airline, launches flights from Inverness to Belfast.

Single fares start from £12.99 with return fares available from £30.98. The service operates with one return flight a day seven days a week.

In true easyJet style there will be celebrations at the airport and passengers checking in for the inaugural flight will be welcomed with typical Northern Irish hospitality and entertainment.

The daily service which commences today in addition to the new service to Bristol which commences on 7 July sees the low cost carrier doubling the number of routes it offers from Inverness Airport.  easyJet's new routes will bring further opportunities for business and tourism in the Highlands by providing low cost travel to a market which has historically been dominated by the traditional, high cost airlines.

Helen Dolce, easyJet Marketing Manager for Scotland said: “We are delighted to bring low cost services to Belfast from Inverness. This new route is the first direct service between Northern Ireland and the Highlands and is expected to help boost business links and tourism in the region.”

easyJet has been encouraged by the response from consumers from Inverness and Belfast and expects to carry over 85,000 passengers in the first 12 months. The route has proved popular with business and leisure travellers alike, providing easier, low cost access to the Northern Ireland capital.

Next week more celebrations will take place at the launch of Inverness to Bristol. easyJet has also teamed up with Moray Firth Radio to give listeners the chance to win flights to both of easyJet's new destinations over the next two weeks. Single fares on the Bristol service start at £17.99 and £35.98 return. The service will operate one daily return flight seven days a week.

Alex Johnson, Commercial and Marketing Manager for HIAL, said: “The new routes are good news for the Highlands and will bring tens of thousands of new visitors into the region over the coming months. This will be good for the economy and direct air links also make the region more attractive for businesses and inward investors.

“People in the Highlands will be able to fly direct to these new destinations and make onward international flight connections via Belfast and Bristol to destinations throughout Europe and beyond.”

For flight information and booking visit the www.easyjet.com website.

ENDS