AT a time when many airlines are cutting back on flights, British Airways has added a new direct journey to Venice from Manchester Airport writes Richard Mulligan

The daily service, on an Embraer 145 jet, leaves Manchester at 8.40am, arriving in Venice at 12.15pm local time, with the return service departing at 12.55pm and arriving back at 2.20pm.

With the low lead-in fare of just £139, including all taxes and charges, the new flight will cater for the Italian city's massive tourist market, as well as business journeys.

Mike Bathgate, British Airways CitiExpress general manager commercial, said: "We are delighted to be launching such an exciting new route and early indications are that it will attract a good mix of business and leisure passengers.

"It is also important that we are able to offer our passengers competitive fares, and the £139 lead-in is excellent value on a full service airline."

John Spooner, managing director of Manchester Airport Plc, added: "We are very pleased with this new link to northern Italy from Manchester.

"Venice has been one of our strongest destinations without a year-round daily service, so we are confident British Airways will make a great success of this route."

Passengers on the service will be able to join the 4.5 million people from all over the world who pass through the new terminal at the Marco Polo Airport each year, before taking a water taxi to the city itself. Leisure tourists can take a gondola around the city, which began to grow in the sixth century and was one of the most powerful states in the world before and during the Renaissance period.

By foot one can sample Venice's famous architecture, such as Saint Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, and then enjoy its fabulous hotels, shops, restaurants, churches and art galleries.

The direct two-and-a-half hour flight will make travel to the city much easier and quicker for business passengers from Manchester's catchment area.

Venice and the surrounding area is a hot bed of industry, including glass-making, chemicals and metals, agriculture, and fabrics such as silk.

For more information go to www.britishairways.com HERE

All you need to know about Venice on the website venicetouristguide.com/ HERE