Boost as new city air routes take off; Flight links welcomed.

Byline: By James Moncur

DUNDEE'S economy was given a major boost today with the launch of two new air routes to Belfast and Birmingham.

The flights, operated by Polishowned airline Flywhoosh.com, have been welcomed by business leaders in the city.

And it could also help Tayside travellers looking to jet off further afield as Birmingham has links to many international destinations.

Joe Morrow, convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee, welcomed the airport's new routes.

He said: "The business community in and around Dundee now has a direct air link that will take them to Belfast and into the economic heart of the English Midlands, twice every weekday.

"The fact that Flywhoosh also plans to base an aircraft in Dundee, and along with it a maintenance team, is additional good news."

The new services have been given financial backing from the Scottish Executive's route development fund.

The airline hopes to carry 40 passengers in each direction, 11 times per week.

And the routes could save 1.9million road miles a year as commuters won't have to drive to Edinburgh or Glasgow for flights.

Aden Murcutt, commercial director of Flywhoosh.com, said: "Dundee Airport is a perfect fit into our route plan.

"People who live near Dundee Airport and travel to Birmingham or Belfast now have a real alternative to the lengthy and congested drive to Edinburgh.

"As well as taking local people out to these destinations, we will also be bringing people to the City of Discovery."