The company, which claims to be one of the fastest-growing of the "no frills" airlines, will fly to six destinations from May.

Fares will start at £12.50, one way, including taxes.

About 50 jobs will be created as a result of the new services.

We know that a low cost airline is something that people in Manchester have been waiting for Tony Davis, bmibaby managing director

Flights will depart for Belfast International, Cork and the Spanish airports of Alicante, Malaga, Murcia and Palma.

Tony Davis, managing director of bmibaby, said: "We know that a low cost airline is something that people in Manchester have been waiting for.

"It means they'll no longer have to drive past the airport and travel from further afield to fly low cost."

He added if the service proved popular, more destinations would be added.

The only budget airline currently operating out of Manchester is Ryanair, which only flies to Dublin.

'Bring it on'

Other operators have complained Manchester Airport's charges are too high and have decided not to operate there.

Previously, many air travellers in the North West have travelled to Liverpool to take advantage of cheaper easyJet flights.

But an easyJet spokesman said it was not afraid of bmibaby setting up in Manchester.

"Bring it on," the spokesman told BBC News Online.

"We wish them luck, but we have established a great customer base at Liverpool."

Services on the new bmibaby services start from 1 May, with tickets on sale now.

The airline already flies from Cardiff and East Midlands airport.