AN air service from the North-East to the heart of London will take to the skies in the New Year.

Eastern Airways will launch four weekday flights from Newcastle International Airport to London City Airport, Docklands, on January 30.

According to the company, the flight time of 1hr 25min is the shortest between Newcastle and the capital.

Newcastle International chief executive John Parkin said: "The business community in the North-East have been asking for a link to London City Airport for some time.

"Eastern Airways' new service is excellent news for our passengers, as it will provide an important and convenient link direct to key areas of the capital such as Docklands and the City of London."

For details and booking, go to www.easternairways.com or call the Eastern Airways reservations centre on 08703 669100.

* Jet2.com announced yesterday it would be flying from Newcastle International Airport to Amsterdam, Pisa and Menorca. Services to Amsterdam start on April 27; Menorca on May 25; and Pisa in the spring. Visit www.jet2.com for details.