Jet2.com expands Leed’s horizons
13 September 2007
Jet2.com, the low cost airline, has today not only announced eight new destinations from its base at Leeds Bradford airport but also a significant expansion of existing routes and a closer working relationship with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie, all aimed at significantly raising the profile of Jet2.com, Leeds Bradford International Airport and the Yorkshire region, particularly on the European stage.
In the largest single route expansion in the history of the airline, brand new services are being launched to:
Hamburg (Lübeck) from £19.99* starts 1 May, four times per week
Madrid from £28.99* starts 2 May, four times per week
Jersey from £28.99* starts 24 May, three times per week
La Rochelle from £28.99* starts 24 May, once a week
Avignon from £33.99* starts 22 May, three times per week
Sardinia (Olbia) from £33.99* starts 3 May, once a week
Crete (Heraklion) from £48.99* starts 20 May, once a week
Cyprus (Paphos) from £58.99* starts 4 May, twice a week
*Leading fare, one way including all taxes
The airline also announced that it alone plans to fly 3.5 million passengers from Leeds Bradford airport by 2010; one million more than the current annual passenger figures for the airport’s entire operations.
Seats to all new destinations are available to book now, with the majority of the inaugural flights leaving Leeds Bradford in May 2008. The additional destinations will increase the airline’s routes from Yorkshire’s premier airport to 36 and represents a 20% year on year increase in capacity.
In addition, flights to Geneva and Lanzarote will also start to operate on a year-round basis and Leeds Bradford to Paris will increase to a twice-daily service. Flights to Belfast International will also increase from two to three times a day and Toulouse will expand by 100 per cent, offering two flights a week.
The airline also announced that it had entered into a major shirt sponsorship deal with Leeds Carnegie/Leeds Rhinos, the city’s two major rugby clubs, highlighting Jet2.com’s ongoing work in the local community.
The announcements were made at a press conference held jointly by Jet2.com, Leeds Bradford International Airport and Leeds Rugby at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, said: “Today’s announcements are very exciting and form part of our strategic plan to significantly raise the profile of Leeds Bradford International Airport.
“As an airline, we’re always delighted to announce new routes and today is no exception. We are now offering direct flights to 36 destinations across Europe from Leeds Bradford and we’ve got some fantastic new destinations on offer.
“Our unprecedented route expansion today includes top sunshine destinations in two countries we’ve never served before; Paphos in Cyprus and Heraklion in the Greek island of Crete.
“What’s more, we’re offering flights to fun and exciting cities such as Madrid and Hamburg; both of which are also major European business destinations,
“We are particularly excited about Hamburg, which further reinforces our ongoing expansion into Germany and we look forward to the increased business between Hamburg and the Leeds City Region as a result.
“More people than ever across Europe are now only a short flight away from Yorkshire and we are raising the profile of the City Region through our great value fares, excellent service and inbound marketing. Our latest route expansion will continue to target both business and leisure travellers and further drive tourism into the region.
“Our sponsorship of Leeds Rugby is also significant. We carry more passengers to Yorkshire than any other airline in the region and we are pleased to be working with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie, cementing a partnership between two very strong Yorkshire brands”
Leeds Bradford International Airport Managing Director, Ed Anderson said, “The announcement of Jet2.com’s programme for next summer is stunning news for the Yorkshire Region.
“The addition of eight new routes for next summer, many of which have never been served before by scheduled services from Leeds Bradford, gives business and leisure travellers a superb choice of destinations from their local airport.
“It represents the largest number of new routes ever added to the airport’s portfolio in a single announcement.”
Incoming Leeds Bradford Chief Executive, John Parkin, said: “I applaud all that Jet2.com has achieved at Leeds Bradford Airport and I very much look forward to working with them over the coming years.”
Gary Hetherington, Leeds Rugby, said: “Like ourselves, Jet2.com is a successful company with a local base but international horizons and I see this as a perfect partnership. Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie represent the city of Leeds and Yorkshire across Europe and beyond and we are proud to have Jet2.com as our official airline partner and associate sponsor.”
Destination information:
La Rochelle
La Rochelle lies on the west coast of France and is a beautifully preserved old port town; ideal for a short break. The old harbour area is lined with colourful cafes, bars and restaurants, there are beautiful beaches to top up the tan and boutique shops where you can pick up a little piece of French style. The fresh fish is out of this world as well. The temperature of La Rochelle is generally high, as a result of the gulf stream and is similar to the Riviera, meaning that sun seekers will not be disappointed with a trip here.
Jersey & The Channel Islands
If you like clear water, unspoilt white beaches, sunshine, beautiful scenery and views, great fresh food and hospitality and a faintly exotic feel to your holiday, you will love the Channel Islands. They are the nearest thing to going abroad without struggling with a foreign language or changing money. Prepare to discover more than the commonly held images of cows, potatoes, flowers and John Nettles driving his 1947 Triumph Roadster around Jersey as super crime sleuth Inspector Jim Bergerac.
Together the islands have over 150 miles of coastline and over 60 gorgeous unspoilt beaches. The islands are on average 3 degrees warmer than mainland Britain with around 2,000 hours of sunshine every year so book a low cost flight to the Channels Islands with Jet2.com and pack your shorts!
Hamburg
Hamburg is a city of world class museums and art galleries, hip hotels, fantastic restaurants and happening nightlife and it has become one of the coolest cities around. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. It was founded in 810 by Charlemagne and has a long history of merchandising dating back to the twelfth century. One of its most important exports was beer and there are still breweries around which have been brewing their own since the middle ages – well worth checking out.
The city is situated around two lakes and numerous canals and is known as the Venice of the North due to the fact that it has more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam put together – the perfect spot for a romantic break!
Olbia
Olbia, (meaning ‘happy town’) is located on the northeast coast of Sardinia in Italy. The city boasts many forms of entertainment and a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops, but the main tourist attractions are centred on the coastline. Olbia is located on the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia’s most exclusive and expensive stretch of coastline, developed in the Sixties by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast on the Mediterranean. Beaches and rocky coastline create a beautiful spectacle of nature with long stretches of fine white sands and crystal clear water. The rest of Sardinia is also easily accessible from Olbia too.
Cyprus (Paphos)
For those looking for a fantastic holiday to one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, it would be hard to find somewhere better than Cyprus. The island claims to be the birthplace of none other than Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and has a vast mixture of history, long sandy beaches and fantastic nightlife. Put simply, there is something to suit everybody, no matter what type of holiday you are after.
Previously Cyprus was separated by the Green Line but after 30 years of separation it is easy to experience Cyprus as a whole. Sunseekers and clubbers can find more than enough to do to enjoy their holiday in the coastal resorts of the Island, whilst those wanting more to do can head inland and visit traditional villages, medieval castles and impressive ancient sites.
Avignon
Avignon nestles in the Rhône Valley where traditional wine making is helped by typically Mediterranean temperatures. It is the land of Côtes du Rhône, Côtes de Ventoux and Chateauneuf du Pape. Visiting the many vineyards in this area is a must, but don’t forget the Paracetamol for the morning after!! With cheap flights to Avignon from Jet2.com, you can sample the local wines in the fabulous surroundings of the South of France.
The wider areas of Provence, around Avignon, are also definitely worth a visit as this is a beautiful and varied region to tour and explore. Provence is bounded by the Alps and Italy to the east and the Rhône River to the west, with the Mediterranean Sea providing its southern border. A perfect combination!
Crete (Heraklion)
Crete is the largest island of Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. With a fantastic coastline stretching over 1000 km the island has amazing and varied characteristics ranging from sandy and rocky beaches to awe inspiring mountainous scenery.
Heraklion is the capital of Central Crete and the town is famous for its vast abundance of vineyards. The nearby North coast and Central Crete are the main tourist areas and visitors can enjoy the fantastic beaches and scenic landscapes, giving holiday options to suit all tastes.
Madrid
Madrid is famous for many things including its culture, nightlife and unrivalled energy. The museum mile contains the highest concentration of masterpieces in the world and the city also offers excellent hotels and restaurants. Madrid is the perfect place to spend a few days, whether you are a culture vulture or just want to relax, shop and explore an exciting city.
With a population of just over three million, Madrid is Europe’s third largest city after London and Berlin. The people of Madrid live life to the full and each area of the city competes to have the best festivals. Buy a low cost ticket to Madrid with Jet2.com and discover this lively and dynamic city and the unrivalled passion for life here.
