Flybe has celebrated the launch of its brand new all-year-round service between Birmingham and Hamburg.

The flight becomes the only direct service connecting the UK and Germany’s ‘second cities’, with a choice of up to four flights a week.

The route departs up to four times a week and, with additional frequency being added for the upcoming winter schedule, will appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

Hamburg, often referred to as the ‘gateway to the world’, features a vibrant commercial sector, as well a number of contemporary museums and art galleries - and a famous fish market.

Flybe chief revenue officer, Vincent Hodder, said: “We are delighted to be launching our first flights between Birmingham and Hamburg today.

“These flights are the only direct route between the two major cities and it is the sixth German destination to be added to our schedule to and from Birmingham airport. We look forward to welcoming many new customers on board this summer.”

Flybe’s other German routes from Birmingham for summer are those to Dusseldorf, Hannover, Berlin Tegel, Stuttgart and Munich.

William Pearson, aviation director at Birmingham Airport, commented: “Hamburg is a hugely welcome addition to Flybe’s growing list of routes from Birmingham for both our business and leisure passengers.

“It is Germany’s second largest city and has the country’s biggest port making it an important economic hub and a great city break destination too.

“Connecting Hamburg with Britain’s second largest city will be of huge benefit to trade and business relations.”