A NEW airline is set to transport people from Hampshire to an exotic Mediterranean destination after launching flights from Southampton Airport.

Volotea will operate two flights a week to the Spanish island of Majorca after it picked Southampton as its first UK airport.

The company, which describes itself as "the airline of small and mid-sized European cities", will operate twice-weekly flights to the Balearic isle on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Fares start from £21.99 one way, tax included.

Spanish airline Volotea is a relative newcomer to the industry, launching in 2012 and currently operating in seven cities across Europe.

The firm's international development director, Edo Friart, said: “We are glad to announce the start of our operations in Southampton, our first UK airport, from where we will be taking our passengers to the beautiful island of Majorca.

"We strongly believe in the success of this route that will allow more and more people to travel with direct, affordable and convenient flights with Volotea”.

Dave Lees, managing director of Southampton Airport, said: “We are delighted to be the first UK airport to provide a scheduled service with Volotea.

"The flights to Palma are excellent news for people looking for independent holidays, those with second homes in Majorca, and anyone joining yachts or cruise ships in the Mediterranean.

"Welcome to the UK, Volotea!”