CityFlyer Express has announced 200 new jobs will be created as a result of an expansion of its operations.

The Gatwick-based BA subsidiary has ordered six new jets with options for a further six aircraft.

The recruitment of 100 new pilots, cabin crew and engineers is a direct result of the order.

The company is already recruiting cabin crew and will be advertising for more staff during the next few months.

CityFlyer Express estimates an additional 100 staff will also be recruited by the firm's suppliers for services such as passenger handling and catering.

Delivery of the first six jets is expected between November and April next year.

The other optioned jets have been ordered for 2002.

The second wave of jets are state-of-the-art models with longer range and enhanced engines.

The order for the initial six aircraft has been valued at $180 million and the combined package has been valued at around $360 million.

"We are delighted the order of these new aircraft will enable us to offer direct employment to another 100 people in the Gatwick area, taking CityFlyer Express total staff to more than 1,000 from a starting point of 30 in 1991."

The new aircraft mean passengers travelling after the November delivery will have an 85 per cent chance of flying on a jet rather than turboprop aircraft.

CityFlyer Express runs flights from Gatwick on 15 routes in Europe.

New routes will be added to the network and more frequent flights introduced after the new jets are in service.