Flybe has announced it is to open a new base for two Q400 aircraft at Bournemouth Airport in 2015.

The carrier will also re-establish a base at Aberdeen Airport, where four Q400s will be based, and will begin flying from Stansted in March 2015.

According to Bournemouth Airport, the new routes could lead to an increase of 300,000 passengers and up to 50 new jobs.

The company announced the news as it revealed a half-year pre-tax loss of £15.3 million, which it said was impacted by £34.3 million of one-offs and revaluations.

It stated that it is on track to deliver £24 million of incremental full-year cost savings as the removal of unprofitable routes and bases led to a cut of 16.4 per cent in Flybe UK capacity.

Flybe chief commercial officer Paul Simmons said: "Bolstering regional connectivity remains our number one aim. Serving the Dorset coastline builds on Flybe's strong regional presence."