British Airways extension to its telephone sales operation is expected to result in 20 jobs over the next 12 months.

The 10,000 sq ft centre handles more than 150,000 calls a week, and over the past seven months has more than doubled its workforce to cope with an anticipated 30 per cent surge in calls over the next few years.

"The Belfast centre is unique among BA call centres," said Mr Dan Brewin, British Airways head of UK and Ireland sales. "It is larger, and a great deal more flexible. It currently employs 115 staff, all of whom have a very high level of skills, and is in the process of recruiting another 20."

Mr Brewin said the investment underlined the importance of the Belfast operation within BA's UK telephone sales network.

"We are delighted to have located the centre here in Northern Ireland," he said.

"We chose to invest here because of the availability of a pool of highly-qualified people, and because the Province has one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe.

"With these advantages, we are confident that we can deliver the highest possible standards of customer service."

The investment, which was first announced in August last year, is being backed by the Industrial Development Board, whose chief executive, Mr Bruce Robinson, described it as another substantial boost for Northern Ireland's rapidly-growing network services sector.