The new Flybe daily passenger service from Manston to Edinburgh has helped to create 20 new jobs at Kent International Airport.

Airport owners Infratil say all the new recruits all live locally.

Their task will be to ensure the passengers of Flybe, Newmarket Holidays and CI Travel which operates charter flights and holidays to Jersey, "have the best possible experience when passing through the airport," says the company.

The new members of staff will be responsible for check-in and customer service, as well as sales and marketing, operating the shop and the security of the airport.

Manston now employs 112 staff to manage the airport's passenger and freight operations, including the new recruits who have just completed their training.

Demand has been so strong for the new Flybe service, launched at the end of May, that flights have been extended into the winter period.

Tickets are on sale now, with passengers booking daily flights to and from Edinburgh for travel up until March 26, 2011.

Tom Wilson, chief executive of Infratil Airports Europe, said: "With the new passenger services we are now able to deliver on our promise to increase the number of people employed at the airport and play an even bigger role in supporting the local economy.

"As well as the 112 employees, the airport also does business with more than 100 companies across Kent."

Marta Easton, Manston's senior customer services supervisor, added: "The team is now very excited about the return of daily flights to the airport. By working closely with Flybe and charter airlines we are very confident that our passengers will receive great customer service on a par, if not better than, any other regional airport."