BELFAST City Airport brought in the New Year with the announcement of another new route - this time to Cardiff.

Air Wales, a fast growing regional airline, revealed that the new flight will take off in March.

The new flight will not only bring great benefit to business travellers but it opens up a new region of the UK Mainland to to leisure travellers from Belfast City Airport.

Air Wales has announced nine new routes in total over the past few months, positioning it as one of the UK's fastest growing airlines and indeed the flagship carrier at Cardiff International Airport where it offers the widest selection of destinations than any other scheduled carrier.

The Belfast City service which is now available for booking via Air Wales' website will take off on March 27 operating twice daily services on weekdays using its ATR42, 48-seat aircraft with times suited for business travel.

Commenting on the new route, Peter McKenna, General Manager, said: "The new route announcements underline Air Wales' commitment to the people of Wales and Northern Ireland in providing these important air links for not only the business market but also for commuter and leisure travel for which we feel we have sufficient demand .

"In the six-year history of Air Wales we have consistently developed not only regional but international routes and with recent aggressive expansion we look forward to offering even greater value and choice to our customers."

Air Wales will be celebrating the launch of the new services with limited seats available from £19.99 one way (excluding taxes and charges).

Cardiff is one of Britain's largest cities celebrating its 50 year centenary as Wales' capital city.

Visitors can now travel at the weekend or indeed during the week to enjoy a city break for shopping, sporting events or even that relaxing short stay away in the idyllic Welsh countryside.

BY EMMA DEIGHAN