Flybe takes off

FLYBE is set to continue its rapid expansion by confirming Exeter Airport as its fourth UK base.

The carrier is due to announce a host of new routes from the airport next month, believed to be to a range of Spanish destinations.

Ibiza, Malaga and Murcia, which the airline serves from Southampton, are favourites to be launch destinations from the south west.

A number of new ski-focussed routes are also due to be unveiled from Birmingham and Southampton in time for the 2003 winter season.

The carrier is hoping to boost its current 3.6 million passengers a year on its network of 17 regional and 20 international destinations.