Aer Arran, which was rebranded as Stobart Air last week has agreed a new partnership with Europe’s largest regional airline Flybe which will see it operate six new routes from London Southend Airport from June.

The newly rebranded Stobart Air is expecting to transport around 100,000 passengers on the new routes this year, with that figure expected to rise to 200,000 passengers in 2015. Total passenger numbers at the airline are expected to reach 1.4 million this year, a 55% increase in the four years since the airline commenced franchised operations with a partnership with Aer Lingus to operate services .

Speaking about the new agreement with Flybe, interim Chief Executive Sean Brogan said “We are pleased to have concluded an agreement with Flybe, the leading regional airline in Europe. Each of the six new routes are strong locations, keen to secure a London connection. London Southend Airport, with its convenience and quick access to London, will resonate with business and leisure passengers, as will our competitive fares.”