GLASGOW Airport has landed a new airline just days after Flybe said it plans to axe direct flights between the city and Cardiff.

Officials were desperate to maintain the 313-mile link and launched an immediate search across the UK and Europe for a replacement.

Today airport chiefs announced Dublin-based CityJet will launch flights out of Glasgow to Cardiff on Monday, January 20 - just 24 hours after the last Flybe plane touches down.

Paul White, business development manager at the west coast hub, said: "Cardiff has always been a popular business and leisure route for Glasgow Airport so it was extremely important we reinstated the service.

"We immediately began working to identify a replacement carrier and we are delighted with CityJet's swift response.

"Next year promises to be an exciting one for Glasgow and Scotland when we will host events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. The Cityjet service will provide a crucial economic and tourist link between Scotland's economic powerhouse and the Welsh capital."

Flybe currently operates 11 flights a week out of Glasgow to Cardiff while CityJet will provide 10 flights - twice daily on weekdays - with the promise of a third flight every Thursday and Friday during the summer.

It's part of the Air France airline group which includes Amsterdam-based airline KLM with CityJet chief executive Christine Ourmieres commenting:

"With our convenient, hassle-free travel and schedule offering ideal flight times for both the leisure and business travellers, we will be providing service the community wants and needs. We are confident that this new service will be a success both for Greater Glasgow and CityJet."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk