A NEW airline has been set up to boost air links between Belfast and the Isle Of Man.

Manx2 will be offering at least two flights a day from Belfast International Airport and says it is committed to providing year-round services for both business and leisure customers. The airline is also launching flights between the Isle of Man and Blackpool, and Leeds Bradford Airport.

Manx2 is the brainchild of two aviation entrepreneurs with long experience of operating regional airlines serving Island communities. Noel Hayes and James Filleul set up and ran Rockhopper (recently rebranded as Blue Islands) which last year flew more than 50,000 passengers on nine routes to and from the Channel Islands.

Manx2's services from Belfast to the Isle of Man will be launched on July 15, and bookings can be made through its website, manx2.com from the beginning of June, and by telephone through Manx2's reservations centre on 0870 242 2226 from the same time.

Manx2 will be operating a fleet of 19-seat aircraft which are specifically designed for making short, frequent flights to neighbouring regional airports. The aircraft will all carry the company's motto in Manx and English - "Failt erriu - You're welcome".

"We have many years' experience in building strong routes which will serve local people all year round," says Noel Hayes, Manx2's Chairman.

"We spotted a requirement for a strongly financed and well-managed small regional airline which would open up links between Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The two communities have strong ties, and we think the new route will be very popular for both business and leisure visitors."

Manx2 will be working closely with the tourism authorities to stimulate more visitors from the Isle of Man to Northern Ireland.

"Our market research suggests that this route will be popular with local people in both Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man," says Manx2 Communications Director James Filleul.

"Manx2 will offer excellent customer service and some everyday low fares, and we have been working very hard on the schedules to make sure they offer a choice of flights at the times people want. Manx2 will combine the best practices of 'low cost' carriers with the friendly service our passengers rightly expect."

"We are delighted to welcome Manx2 to Belfast International Airport," says Uel Hoey, the airport's Business Development Director.

"Our strong domestic network is a key part of our business and we are pleased with the addition of Isle of Man services. Local travellers and visitors to Northern Ireland have not been able to avail of Isle of Man services from BIA for some time and we believe there is a strong market in the Northern Ireland region for this service.

"Furthermore we are confident that the combination of in-flight service, good business frequency and attractive fares allied to the rapidly expanding public transport links from Belfast International Airport will create a strong platform for Manx2's new operation."