Low-fare airline BMI Baby is to start flying from Birmingham International Airport in a move it says will create more than 150 jobs. The budget carrier also plans an announcement on new destinations.
The new services, which the company says will start early next year, could mean 40 new routes from the Midlands.
Spokesman Tony Davis said: "With the creation of a new base at Birmingham, we are consolidating our position as the region's most popular carrier."
'Massive choice'
He added: "BMI Baby already carries more passengers from the Midlands than any other airline, with our current services from Nottingham.
"By next year, we will be serving up to 40 routes from the Midlands, offering massive choice to travellers throughout the region."
The new routes will be in addition to the services already operated by the carrier from Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
The company, part of the BMI group, formerly British Midland Airways, also flies from Gatwick, Manchester, Cardiff, Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast airports.
The airline currently operates 52 routes and carried three million passengers in 2003.
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