BOLTON-based holiday firm Flying Colours is soaring to success by launching its own charter airline.

And the bold move is expected to create 250 new local jobs as the operation sets up base at Manchester Airport.

Flying Colours Leisure Group, who took over Sunset Holidays last November and based its operation at offices in Manchester Road, Kearsley, announced the launch of Flying Colours Airlines today.

The £200 million investment includes a fleet of four new Boeing 757 planes which will begin flying from Manchester in spring next year. The planes will carry the group's package holiday passengers, with plans for a new Sunset seat-only brand also in the pipeline. Chief executive of Flying Colours and chairman of the new airline Errol Cossey said: "We will now be focusing our attention on recruiting our team." Mr Cossey, who founded and masterminded the successes of both Air Europe and Air 2000, said 300 jobs will be created, with 75pc of the air crew and 35 out of 40 office staff being recruited from the local area.

Flying Colours Leisure Group was formed last year with a £40 million acquisition of Sunset Holidays - the fourth largest tour operator flying out of Manchester - and the Club 18-30 holiday brand.

Geoff Muirhead, chief executive of Manchester Airport, said: "We are delighted that Flying Colours Airlines has selected Manchester for its headquarters.

"Flying Colours has established itself as a significant force and we're glad to play an important role in its future."

The airline launch is part of the group's continuing national expansion plans.

The group intends to fly about half a million holidaymakers during this year.

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