Extra new jobs for KLM flights from Manston

KLM flights from Manston to Amsterdam are due to start in April

More than 40 jobs have been created at Manston airport in east Kent in preparation for twice daily flights to the Netherlands

KLM Royal Dutch Airline which is merged with Air France said it would run a twice daily service from the Kent airport to Schiphol in Amsterdam.

In November the airport said there would be 28 new jobs, but now says a further 14 positions have been created.

The airport said more than 90% of those recruited were from east Kent.

Charles Buchanan, chief executive of Manston Airport, said: "We have appointed most of the new staff with just a few places yet to fill.

"The new recruits follow the same pattern as our existing staff with 55% being Thanet residents, and a further 38% are from elsewhere in east Kent.

"Importantly, almost a fifth of the new recruits were previously unemployed."

KLM is to run two morning flights from Manston, with one returning in mid-morning and the other in the evening starting on 2 April.

Almost 140 people will be employed at the airport when all the vacancies have been filled.