Long-term expansion at Inverness

Low-cost carrier Flybe has revealed that it plans to expand its operations at Inverness Airport.

The airline said that it will launch two new services to and from the airport - routes to Paris and Amsterdam.

Flybe chief executive Mike Rutter explained that flights to the Dutch and French capitals would begin in September next year. He added that the expansion was part of a plan to make the airport one of its top five expansion areas over the coming two years.

He explained that the international services would begin once newly-started regional routes to Manchester, Birmingham and Southampton had had a chance to establish themselves.

"I am making you this promise today, as I have made to Inglis Lyons [managing director of Highland and Islands Airports] at the airport that we want to be the biggest operator out of the Highlands and we want to provide you with the largest range of services that suits our business model," Mr Rutter said.

In recent times, Flybe has established itself as one of the fastest expanding regional airlines in the country. It recently acquired British Airways' low-cost arm, BA Connect.