Jet2.com announced that it will start flights from Blackpool Airport to major destinations in and outside of the UK. The airline says the move will make it become the first budget airline to be based at the airport.

Starting April 2006, Jet2 flights will take off to Palma, located on the holiday island of Majorca and Alicante/Murcia in Spain. Murcia offers access to the whole of the Alicante region, including the Costa Calida, Costa Blanca, La Manga, Benidorm and Torrevieja. Fares will start from £29, including taxes.

Jet2 is also set to offer flights from Blackpool to Belfast International Airport starting November 4, 2005. The airline says Belfast offers an ideal, low-cost gateway to Northwest Ireland.

“I am absolutely delighted that Blackpool will now be able to offer truly low cost services to Spain and Ireland. We will be bringing our low fares and efficient and friendly service to the people of Lancashire. Flights are on sale today and we urge people to book now, to avoid disappointment and take advantage of our lowest fares,” says Jet2.com chief Philip Meeson. Meeson says the airline will base at least one 148-seat Boeing 737 aircraft at Blackpool.