LOW-cost carrier Flybe today unveiled 12 new routes out of Southampton Airport which are expected to generate an extra 1.5 million passengers.

The announcement will also mean a boost for scores of linked businesses, such as taxi firms and catering suppliers.

The £550m investment in new aircraft will see the operator base five new planes at Southampton, bringing up to 12 additional low cost routes from the city.

Passengers will be offered more European flights with more frequent services to France, Spain and Portugal, in addition to a planned rise in the number of domestic flights available from the Hampshire airport.

Flybe's success has seen a rapid growth in operations at Southampton Airport where the company currently offers flights to 21 destinations.

Flybe is now looking to secure its place as the UK's leading bargain flight operator.

In April this year, the Daily Echo reported how South-ampton Airport had seen a rise in passenger by a quarter to 1.53 million.

The airline is expecting this figure to double while also providing more jobs in the Southampton area.

Mike Rutter, Marketing and sales director of Flybe said: "It's fantastic news for the airport and great news for Southampton."

"We are expecting a grow of another 1.5 million passengers at Southampton as a result of the new routes available."

"This investment in 26 new planes, brings us a total of £2billion in the past two years."

The new 118-seater planes are expected to land at Southampton airport in August 2006.