SAVANNAH, Ga. — An airline has announced plans to expand service throughout the Southeast.

Silver Airways officials said in a statement Thursday they’ll start operating routes to New Orleans, Birmingham, Alabama, and the Savannah-Hilton Head airport.

Officials say the airline will begin operating routes in New Orleans and Birmingham June 16, service to Savannah-Hilton Head begins June 23.

President and CEO of the Birmingham Airport Authority Alfonso Denson says officials are excited to expand service to Florida and New Orleans because both are popular destinations for business and leisure travellers.

Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport Executive Director Greg Kelly says service to Orlando marks the first time the airport will have a direct route to Florida since 2011.

Silver Airways is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and also travels to the Bahamas.