AIRLINE and holiday firm Jet2 has launched its biggest ever winter schedule from Leeds Bradford Airport.

The move follows expansion of its summer flights and package holidays programme from the Yeadon hub to 43 destinations announced in May.

Meanwhile, Flybe has launched a new route between Leeds Bradford and Newquay in Cornwall under a government-backed scheme.

Jet2 is adding 60,000 extra seats for the 2017-18 winter flights schedule and extending the season at popular destinations, It is also introducing a new ski route to Turin.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate to 23 destinations across the Mediterranean and Europe, 11 per cent more than this year. Its winter sun programme is being expanded by 18 per cent with 340,000 seats available .

There will be up to 14 weekly flights to the Canary Islands and flights to Madeira which are being doubled to twice weekly There are also expanded programmes to destinations such as Alicante , Malaga and Faro .

Jet2’s winter 2017-18 ski has also been expanded by 11 per cent to offer more than 50,000 seats from Leeds Bradford Airport. Its city breaks programme is also expanding with all-year round flights to Barcelona.

It is the latest stage of growth at the company, which is buying 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and creating around 1,000 new jobs, including 135 at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Steve Heapy, chief executive, said: “This is a very exciting time for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays and this announcement is yet another step on our ambitious growth plans from Leeds Bradford Airport. “

The new one hour 20 minute LBA-Newquay service has been made possible under the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. and is part of Flybe’s 2016-17 winter schedule offering more than 30 weekly flights from Leeds Bradford.

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport aviation development director, said: “This connection will help to support tourism in both regions. all been made possible through the negotiations with government to introduce the route to the network and we are pleased to be expanding our Flybe offer from LBA.”