The new service from the budget airline starts on May 21 and will be operated by one of the airline's new Airbus 319 aircraft, which seat 156 passengers.

The airline expects 70,000 passengers to travel in the first year.

Paul Simmons, easyJet's UK General Manager commented:

'We are delighted to be expanding our network to the Isle of Man, as the UK's largest airline, it is a logical step to extend our services and connect the island with the North West where there are such strong business and family links.




'The nature of the easyJet business model means our low-fares and excellent customer service bring a new dimension to a market. Introducing a little healthy competition will provide greater consumer choice, this in turn develops and grows the market; not only for tourism, but also helps strengthen the local economy.'

The six times weekly service will operate every day except Tuesdays throughout the summer. However, there will be flights on Tuesdays between 25 May – 8 June, to meet the extra demand during this peak travel period.

Seats will be on sale at easyJet.com later this morning, with fares from just £22.99 one way (£45.98 return inc taxes)