A major expansion of a low cost airline's trans- atlantic services takes off this week.

Flyglobespan is introducing a new service to Toronto from tomorrow with the price of a single ticket starting at £99, which includes taxes.

And on Friday, the airline will begin its first flights to Calgary and Vancouver from as little as £129.

The deals are expected to be snapped up by Scots keen to visit friends who have made Canada their home.

Flights to Toronto's Hamilton International Airport, as well as the Canadian west coast, are being launched at the start of the busy summer season.

The Toronto service will operate out of Glasgow three times a week, but flights will double from the end of June.

Flights to Calgary will be weekly although there will be a twice weekly service to Vancouver.

Flyglobespan has yet to finalise its winter programme, but the Canadian service is expected to continue throughout the year although flights over the Christmas period are likely to be cut.

The Canadian routes are a major expansion for the low fares carrier.

Flyglobespan was the first UK budget airline to launch daily flights from Glasgow to Orlando in Florida.

Flyglobespan chairman Tom Dalrymple said: "We have a lean, very efficient organisation that allows us to offer extremely competitive fares."

Gordon Dewar, managing director of Glasgow Airport, added: "Given the close historic ties between Scotland and Canada, we believe there is significant potential to grow this market."