Flybe has announced plans to open its first European crew base in February 2017 having secured an agreement with Dusseldorf Airport.

Germany is becoming an increasingly important market for Flybe, which now offers six routes to Dusseldorf.

These are from Birmingham, Cardiff, Doncaster Sheffield, Manchester and Southampton with the latest route from London City having started last month.

The launch of a Dusseldorf base underlines Flybe’s commitment to serving Germany and will ensure an even more efficient and reliable service.

Dusseldorf is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany and the city’s airport is the country’s third largest commercial airport, with approximately 22 million annual passengers a year passing through its doors.

In preparation for the opening of the new base, Flybe has recently embarked on a high profile recruitment drive for more than 60 pilots and cabin crew, together with identifying and sourcing a complement of engineering support for the two 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.

These aircraft currently serve Dusseldorf with UK-based crew,

In readiness for the start of operations at the beginning of February 2017, the first crew have already been recruited and will start training at the airline’s Training Academy in Exeter in early January.

Flybe is also using the opportunity to widen its recruitment net in continental Europe beyond Germany

Flybe chief revenue officer, Vincent Hodder, said: “The decision to open a new crew base in Dusseldorf marks an important milestone for Flybe.

“Regional communities are increasingly under-served by mainstream airlines and alternative modes of transport in mainland Europe as they are in the UK.

“Local basing of aircraft and crew will help us serve the local community in and around Dusseldorf much more cost-effectively.

“With strong business as well as leisure traffic resulting from Germany’s position as a key economic powerhouse, there is a high travel propensity for both.”