The airline will run a daily weekday service from the north east of England to Norway's fourth largest city, which was named European Capital of Culture 2008.

Services leave Newcastle at 9.50am, landing in Stavanger at 12.40pm local time.

Flights depart Stavanger at 1.10pm, arriving in Newcastle at 2pm local time.

Eastern Airways had previously offered a link from the north east to Stavanger via Aberdeen prior to the start of this non-stop Newcastle service.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways' chief operating officer, said: "We have provided travellers with a comprehensive network of domestic services from Newcastle for many years and our first non-stop international route from the airport links the vibrant north east with the European culture capital.

"Our convenient service is the fastest weekday transport link between the two cities, which will not only appeal to business travellers, particularly those in the oil and gas industry, but also visitors taking short breaks in both regions."

Stavanger is located on the south west coast of Norway and is also recognised as Norway's energy capital, with its vibrant oil and gas industry.

This latest launch follows Eastern Airways's recent move to increase flights on its Newcastle services to Aberdeen, Southampton and Cardiff.

Flights to Birmingham and the Isle of Man are also served from Newcastle by the airline.

The independent carrier employs 50 pilots, cabin crew and ground staff in Newcastle to support its network of routes from the north east airport.