THE first flight bound for Verona in Italy from Kent International Airport at Manston was a high-flying success.

The charter flight organised by Headline Travel, the Kent Messenger Group's own reader holiday service and Newmarket Promotions, attracted 145 passengers with many more turned away.

It is so popular that the second Italian charter scheduled for September is already full.

The group that flew out on June 27 had booked holidays in Lake Garda, Tuscany and Lido di Jesolo.

They enjoyed a taste of things to come when they enjoyed an Italian-themed reception with wine, snacks and tea and coffee courtesy of Headline Travel and Morelli's catering before setting off.

The airport has recently been re-vamped and now has an air-conditioned departure lounge with comfortable seating and a tax-free shop. There will also be a fully licensed restaurant and snack bar opened by September.

Phil O'Sullivan, commercial director for Newmarket, and Karen Knott, Headline Travel business manager were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown on the day for services out of Manston and hope that it is the first of many successful charters.

Passengers told the operators they were impressed with the level of service at the airport, the facilities, and how convenient it is to fly from east Kent.

* For the remainder this year, Headline Travel and Newmarket Air Holidays can offer readers a trip to Vienna's Christmas markets on December 17 for four days from £369, and Prague on October 16, for four days from £229.

In 2005 there are departures for Malta for three weeks on January 4 with prices from £299, and again for one week on March 8 from £249 and on the March 12 from £ 259.

The Island of Sicily tour departs on April 9 for a week from £439 and the 2005 charter for Verona is on May 15, once again providing holidays for Lido di Jesolo, Lake Garda and the Seven Cities of Italy with prices from £399 for a week.