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More than 100 new jobs are being created at Belfast International Airport.

The 85 full-time and 30 part-time posts will be across a variety of aviation support services including on-site food outlets, taxi operations and private charter flights.

Belfast International Airport director of commercial development Brian Carlin said: "These jobs have little or no lead-in times. There's a need for them now as we prepare for a bumper year with hundreds of thousands more passengers.

"Right across the board, we're seeing welcome growth. Airlines and airports generate jobs and new business opportunities at little or no cost to the taxpayer."

Catering firm SSP is planning to increase its workforce by 20 full-time and 30 part-time staff while the Fed & Watered outlet will add 10 new employees to the payroll.

Belfast Airport Taxis is taking on 30 additional drivers to deal with the expected increase in passenger numbers when Ryanair routes open next month.

Catering, retail and logistics company, LSG has 16 places to fill while the private charter company, Jet Assist, is creating six jobs and Car Care Solutions are recruiting for three new positions.

The announcement brings to 298 the total number of new jobs at the airport over the past two months which are expected to inject an additional £1.5million in wages into the local economy.

Meanwhile, the airport chief has also urged the Stormont Government to put in place an air route development fund which could help expand the business even further and to deal with the controversial departure tax issue.

Mr Carlin added: "We've announced almost 300 new jobs over a nine-week period and that's the equivalent of a major overseas inward investment costing millions of pounds. In a real sense, we're growing the business without reliance on the public purse.

"All we ask in return is that ministers do something more than say they recognise the importance of this business and get on with the job of putting in place a realistic, equitable and adequately resourced Air Route Development Fund to help us grow the network.

"We are making a difference, but we could do much more with a focused approach on an air route development fund and of course, addressing air passenger duty which is an intolerable burden that is holding us back."

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