Flights from Southampton International Airport to Angers Loire in France by UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, are being increased to coincide with the world famous Le Mans 24 hour motor race.

The independent carrier, will introduce a Friday service from 6 June 2008 prior to the start of Le Mans (14-15 June), which is located 46 miles from Angers Loire Airport.  Friday services will continue to operate over the summer season, taking the number of flights to four a week.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer, said: “Our timely introduction of a Friday service from Southampton to Angers Loire is initially aimed at motorsport enthusiasts visiting Le Mans spectacular weekend event.  However, the convenience of our service has proved popular with those owning holiday homes in the Angers and Loire Valley, along with expatriates and this new Friday service provides a greater choice of flights over the summer.”

Eastern Airways first started flights between Southampton and Angers Loire in November 2007 and its service also appeals to industry sectors including truck manufacturing, IT, technology and liqueurs.