NORTH-EAST travellers will get back a direct air service between Newcastle Airport and Oslo, thanks to a new non-stop British Airways service.

British Airways' largest franchise partner, British Regional Airlines, will start a 1hr 50min daily service (excluding Saturdays) on July 2, following the withdrawal of Newcastle's non-stop air link to Oslo last month.

Weekday flights will arrive into Newcastle at 11.35am and take off for Oslo at 12.20pm. On Sundays, flights depart for Oslo at 11.40am and land back in Newcastle at 3.55pm.

Mike Bathgate, British Regional Airlines' commercial director, said: "We have stepped in with a non-stop service from the North-East to Norway's capital city, as we appreciate and understand the extreme importance of this air link to businesses in both regions.

"We are not only providing the fastest link from Newcastle to Oslo, but also a British Airways service, which offers travellers BA Miles and Executive Club membership."

Newcastle Airport's business development director, Chris Sanders, said: "Newcastle Airport is delighted to have this important air service re-established not only for business traffic but to serve a substantial leisure market.

"For many years, the airport has, for example, been pro-active in developing inbound tourism from Oslo and other parts of Norway to the North East of England. We are confident that the service will be of tremendous importance in continuing to develop tourism and business links with Scandinavia in the future."

A 49-seater Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft will operate a twin cabin Club Europe and economy Eurotraveller service between the two cities. Return fares start from £169 including all taxes, fees and charges.

British Regional Airlines also started other flights from Newcastle Airport on October 30, with daily services to Birmingham and Cardiff.

For further information on reservations, telephone British Airways on 0845 773 3377 or contact your local travel agent. Alternatively, bookings can be made via the airline's web site on www.britishairways.com