A NEW route has been announced from Southend Airport - with flights to Guernsey set to launch in the summer.

Blue Islands, a Flybe franchise partner, has announced flights to Guernsey will launch from May 20.

The new service will be operated on 68-seat Blue Islands ATR 72-500, with flights taking just 75-minutes.

Glyn Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Stobart Aviation, owners of London Southend Airport said: “We are delighted that Flybe franchise partner Blue Islands, has chosen London Southend to provide a new route to Guernsey from our fast growing airport.

"We have now launched an incredible three new routes in January alone.

"With our own railway station just 100 paces from the terminal door, up to six trains an hour into London in under an hour and our award-winning customer service, we expect our latest route to the Channel Islands to prove very popular with passengers from London and the South East.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.flybe.com.

All ‘Just Fly’ seats are £29.99 one way, when booked by 30 Jan.

From 31 Jan onwards fares will be from £29.99 one way.

Rob Veron, Blue Islands CEO: “As a Channel Islands based airline, Blue Islands is proud to launch a new daily service from London Southend to Guernsey, making it easier than ever to discover our beautiful island.

"Equally, the service offers Guernsey residents an effortless way to arrive in London thanks to London Southend’s excellent train connections to central London.”