PASSENGERS on Hampshire's biggest low-cost airline can now have an online flutter while they reserve tickets over the Internet.

Flybe, which operates scores of daily flights from Southampton International Airport, has launched a gaming option on its website to help keep fares down and provide customers with a fun and challenging time as they book flights.

The move comes just two weeks after Southampton won one of only a few licences nationwide to set up a new Las Vegas-style casino in the city.

The airline plans to run the gaming site alongside Finnish specialist online betting company PAF, which hands all its profits to charities.

Flybe plans to give 20 per cent of each bet made on its website to the charity Make-a-Wish Foundation, which makes dreams come true for terminally-ill children, and says the games it plans to run include blackjack, roulette and bingo.

They already host adverts for online gaming companies on their official website, www.flybe.com.

Customer experience Flybe chief commercial operator Mike Rutter said: "We are constantly looking for innovative ways to increase our product offering and provide an enhanced customer experience, and we felt that the partnership with PAF is testament to that.

"As a company we are dedicated to supporting our chosen charity, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the partnership with PAF enables the charity to benefit as well, as we are able to donate a sizeable sum to them for every game played which we hope will help to raise even more money for Make-A-Wish this year.

"The online gaming facility will enable us to generate revenue ensuring that we continue to provide passengers with the lowest possible fares, while simultaneously offering customers compelling entertainment and a more enjoyable browsing and booking experience overall."

Thomas Lundberg, of the PAF Group, added: "We are excited to launch this co-operation with Flybe, one of Europe's largest low cost carriers and the largest regional carrier in Europe.

"It will enable Flybe to interact with their customers both before and after the flights. We are confident that together with Flybe, we will be able to offer their customers entertaining e-gaming experiences."