FLEDGELING low fare airline Thomsonfly.com was finally unveiled on October 13 as the mystery newcomer to Bournemouth Airport - ending weeks of speculation.

The new airline had kept its identity a closely-guarded secret, but it got off to a flying start when it revealed its plans to launch a pair of 737 jets from the airport in March next year, offering cheap flights to cities and beaches across Europe.

The move is expected to create 60 jobs at Thomsonfly.com, up to 200 at the airport and hundreds more in the local economy, including hotels, restaurants and pubs.

The airline also promised its operation would help boost the local tourist industry by encouraging incoming Tourism from Europe.

Head of Bournemouth Tourism and Marketing Services Mark Price said: "Everyone talks about the offers available from this country, but we hope the routes will make Bournemouth into a new gateway into the real England for overseas travellers."

The airline, which was launched just nine months ago, chose Bournemouth as its third regional base because it is one of the fastest growing towns in Europe, but claims it suffered from a limited choice of low cost routes.

It is part of TUI UK, which includes brands such as Lunn Poly and Thomson Holidays.

Rowena Burns, group strategy director of Manchester Airport Group, which includes Bournemouth Airport, said: "We strongly believe that having such a major player based at the airport will prove to be a huge magnet for a wider audience who may not have previously considered flying from Bournemouth.

"It also puts Bournemouth Airport firmly on the map, which is good news for local businesses and will help attract investment and industry into the region."

Passenger numbers at Bournemouth have nearly doubled in the past three years with 500,000 projected for 2004/05.

First published: October 14