by Trevor Sturgess

Demand has been so strong that flights between Kent and Edinburgh have been extended into the winter period.

Flybe, the airline that is about to launch scheduled services between Kent International Airport, Mansston, and the Scottish city, has announced it will operate a daily service as part of its winter schedule.

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

When the Manston-Edinburgh route was announced in February, it was anticipated that Flybe would operate five flights per week in the winter season.

However, demand has convinced the airline that it should increase numbers and it will now operate a daily year round service on the route.

"This is great news and comes less than four months since the route was announced," said Paula Horne, route development manager at Infratil, the owner of Manston.

"The sales performance gives us and Flybe the all-important confidence in the ability of Manston to deliver passenger numbers.

She added: "The launch of the Manston-Edinburgh route generated sales ahead of Flybe's expectations for a new route and shows that Kent residents want an easy to reach low cost airport without the hassle of a journey on the M25 or the stress of other South East airports."

Mike Rutter, Flybe's chief commercial officer, said: "Despite industry challenges over the past year, and with other airlines limiting their growth, Flybe has been able to step in to fill many of the gaps in service and continue building capacity.

"We're pleased to be able to carry over to the winter schedule our brand new Edinburgh service from Manston and that we are able to offer regional travellers the only scheduled flight to be currently operated out of Kent International Airport.

"This key route to the Scottish capital is ideal for those wanting to book affordable business travel as well as those looking for short breaks over the autumn half-term and Christmas periods.

"To ensure the lowest possible fares, it's advisable to book for people to book their winter travel now."