A 21st Century Viking invasion is just weeks away, after British Airways announced plans for direct flights between Newcastle and Oslo, in Norway.

British Airways' largest franchise partner, British Regional Airlines (BRA) will operate six flights a week between the two cities in a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft, from Monday.

The service will be in competition with Norwegian ailrline Braathens, which has its UK headquarters at Newcastle.

Mike Bathgate, commercial director at BRA, said: "Our new non-stop jet service allows both business and leisure travellers from Oslo to arrive in Newcastle in just an hour and 50 minutes.

"Oslo has very important business links with the North-East and with the upturn in the oil industry, I am sure this fast air link will prove popular with business travellers."

The 14th Century Lumley Castle, at Chester-le-Street, has been successfully promoted to the Norwegian market for many years.

Its management believe that the new air link will boost both the corporate and leisure markets in the region.

Sybil Cox, international travel and marketing director at the hotel, has been welcoming guests from Scandinavia for the past 12 years and visits Norway at least six times a year.

She said: "Northumbria has always been a popular destination for our friends in Norway with many historic attractions, as well as excellent shopping centres like Eldon square in Newcastle and the Gateshead MetroCentre."

British Airways has self-service check-in kiosks at both Newcastle and Oslo airports for business passengers travelling with hand luggage only.

l Weekday flights depart from Oslo at 10.45am, arriving in Newcastle at 11.35am.

Flights depart from Newcastle at 12.20pm and land in Oslo at 3.10pm local time.

Sunday flights will depart Newcastle at 11.40am, arriving in Oslo at 2.30pm. Services in the other direction leave Oslo at 3.05pm and arrive in Newcastle at 3.55pm.