Irish airline Aer Lingus will begin the only scheduled flights from Ireland to the increasingly popular tourist destination of Bulgaria in June.

The airline will operate two flights a week to Bourgas airport in Bulgaria, which is close to popular tourist resorts on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Aer Lingus is also offering discounts on hotels in Bulgaria, with four star hotels starting from 30 euros per night.

"We are delighted to be able to offer our customers another new popular holiday destination which complements our existing extensive schedule. We believe the Bulgarian resort will prove particularly popular with families and holidaymakers alike," says Aer Lingus corporate affairs director, Enda Corneille.

Aer Lingus will also launch new daily flights from Belfast airport to Paris on 30 March with fares including taxes and charges starting from GBP 27 one way. New flights to Geneva start on 29 March and to Nice on 1 April with fares starting from GBP 29.

The airline has also announced an agreement to purchase four new short haul aircraft from Airbus. The Airbus A320-200 aircraft are scheduled for delivery between late 2010 and early 2011.

"We are pleased to announce agreement on the terms of purchase of these four new short haul aircraft which are key to our growth ambitions. The aircraft will complement our existing Airbus fleet and enhance our short haul network," comments Aer Lingus chief executive, Dermot Mannion.