Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier, has today announced it will operate three brand new services to France from Southampton International Airport; namely Beziers, Clermont-Ferrand and Pau currently available for travel between May and September.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “We are pleased to announce these three new routes to France from Southampton that complement our 10 existing routes for those travelling to and from regional France. They will further position Southampton as the most convenient gateway into the South of England from France and also serve to underpin inbound tourism that is so key to local economies especially in these hard-pressed times. ”

Passengers to and from Southampton now have an extensive choice of 36 routes with Flybe on up to 712 flights a week on its extensive Summer 2011 schedule.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Jan Halliday, says: “Everyone at Southampton Airport is delighted to hear that Flybe will be launching three new French routes in Summer 2011.  Flybe is famous for its services to regional French cities and the introduction of Clermont Ferrand, Beziers and Pau will establish links to new areas of central France, the Pyrenees and the south of France.

“These routes are likely to be very popular for holidays and business in these regions of France. We also expect to see more French people using Southampton Airport due to the excellent motorway and rail links to the south of England and London. The services may also be popular with French visitors to the Olympics, as well as cruise passengers from France joining the ships in the Port of Southampton.”

Adds Mr Rutter: “We look forward to the start of these new routes and as always would advise those looking to travel to book early to take advantage of the lowest possible fares.”