bmibaby, the award winning airline with tiny fares, is celebrating its third anniversary of flights from Cardiff International Airport by announcing its commitment to growth in South Wales, starting with the arrival of a third Boeing 737 aircraft at the airport from 26th March 2006.

The airline will be increasing the number of weekly flights from Cardiff International Airport to 150 with an increase in frequency on Mediterranean routes, the return of low cost fares to Glasgow International and Belfast International airports, and the long awaited arrival of low cost fares to Amsterdam.

The airline, which first launched low cost flights from Cardiff International Airport in October 2002, has already carried nearly 2 million passengers to and from the region. This latest phase of expansion will create an additional 30 jobs at bmibaby for cabin crew and flight deck, plus further jobs in and around the airport.

The additional aircraft will boost capacity from South Wales, offering more availability and even more low fares on the airline’s existing routes. Ten routes for summer 2006 went on sale at www.bmibaby.com on Friday 18th November with fares starting from just £16.99 one way, including taxes and charges. In addition to the Glasgow and Amsterdam routes bmibaby will fly direct to Alicante, Belfast (Intl), Edinburgh, Faro, Jersey, Malaga, Palma and Prague. bmibaby is the only major low cost carrier to offer free seats for infants (under 2 years of age) onboard all its flights.

David Bryon, bmibaby’s managing director, commented:

“I am delighted to be able to announce this latest phase of bmibaby’s growth in South Wales with the introduction of a third based aircraft at Cardiff. We remain committed to growing our operation in the region to provide more services across Europe for both business and leisure travellers. As well as an increase in flights to the Mediterranean destinations, we are really pleased to announce the addition of Amsterdam as a new bmibaby route, and the return of low cost flights to Glasgow International and Belfast International airports. The double daily service to Glasgow International will significantly improve business links between the two cities. Fares start from just £16.99 one way, including taxes and charges. Our advice as always is to book early to secure the best deal.”

The airline recently celebrated being crowned “Best No Frills Airline” in the Telegraph Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.