THE first ever departure of a Palmair aircraft from Exeter Airport has marked the start of winter flights to Tunisia.

It was announced earlier this year that a series of Boeing 737 Palmair flights to the popular winter holiday destinations of Tunisia and Fuerteventura had been scheduled from November until the end of March.

Since then Palmair has also signed up to fly from Exeter to Tunisia in May, June and October 2010.

Exeter Airport's managing director Jamie Christon said: "We are very pleased to be working with this award-winning operator and the start of this new series of flights to guaranteed winter sunshine destinations seems to be an indicator of better times ahead."

Palmair which was founded in 1957 by the late Peter Bath is still in the Bath family's hands.

Managing director David Skillicorn said: "We believe that in the management and staff of Exeter airport we have found a perfect business partner. Everyone at Palmair is very excited about the new opportunities for the operation from Devon."