The first Lufthansa flight from Belfast has taken off, George Best Belfast City Airport has announced.
The service is the sole direct link from Belfast to Germany and is to operate "up to four times a week", according to the airport.
“The commencement of Lufthansa’s service to Frankfurt represents a significant milestone for Belfast City Airport, providing Northern Ireland with essential connectivity to Europe and further afield," said Katy Best, the airport's commercial director.
“This new nonstop connection will bring Northern Ireland much closer to Frankfurt and to the heart of Western Europe," said Frank Wagner, Lufthansa's general manager sales, UK, Ireland, and Iceland, talking up the opportunities for commercial ties to be expanded.
“Belfast Chamber is delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to George Best Belfast City Airport," said Simon Hamilton, chief executive of the chamber.