The gateway to the skiing capital of the Swiss Alps is the first route announced since new owner Balfour Beatty took over at the resort's international airport.

It takes the number of destinations served by Jet2.com from the town to nine.

Flights out of Blackpool start on December 13 and run until mid-April with prices one-way starting from £29.99.

The destination is the first new service announced from Squires Gate since Ibiza last year.

Flights to the White Isle are due to begin next month and will run throughout the summer.

Geneva is one of a number of routes being flown during the airport's winter season.

David Kershaw, chief executive at Blackpool International Airport, said: "We're delighted to be able to offer passengers a new winter destination, Geneva.

"Following the announcement of Balfour Beatty's acquisition of the airport last week, this clearly demonstrates Jet2.com's continued confidence in Blackpool and will help us achieve our aim of becoming the airport of choice for residents, businesses and visitors across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Encouraging

"By offering more flights and destinations, we are encouraging people to use their local airport so their travelling times are shorter and the start of their journey is a stress free and enjoyable experience."

Balfour Beatty bought a 95 per cent stake in the facility for £14m last week. The remainder of the airport is owned by Blackpool Council.

Bosses at the airport told The Gazette last week that they were committed to introducing new destinations, as well as re-establishing a link with the capital.

Susan Kendrick, communications manager at the airport, said: "There is an overwhelming demand for a direct route to the French and Swiss Alps from residents across Lancashire and Cumbria and we're confident that these flights will prove popular from the word go."

Keen skier Anthony Bennett, 24, from Bispham, said: "It's fantastic that the Alps is now accessible from Blackpool.

"It'll make it a lot easier with not having to drive or get a taxi to Manchester or Liverpool.

"It's good for schools in the area too – their transport costs won't be as high so it'll make skiing trips cheaper for them."