SOUTHAMPTON Airport's largest carrier Flybe has bought 15 new planes in a £394m deal.

The investment takes Flybe's spending on planes to more than £1 billion in two years and is part of the expansion drive following the recent buy-up of rival BA Connect. The planes are set to become a familiar sight in the skies above Southampton, with the first arriving in December. Flybe bosses hope the planes, known as a Q400, pictured, will appease protestors concerned at the expansion of Southampton Airport.

The Q400 is among the world's quietest passenger aircraft.

Jim French, Flybe chief executive and chairman, said: "The new aircraft will help drive us forward and cement our position as one of Europe's leading low cost airlines."