Low-cost airline Jet2.com today said the launch of new routes and its expansion into Manchester Airport had helped sales soar to their highest level since its launch last year.

The Leeds-Bradford Airport-based airline said its decision to launch services from the other side of the Pennines had led to a major surge in growth.

The company has also enjoyed a big response to its decision to increase availability on flights from Leeds- Bradford by 44 per cent in 2005.

Chief executive Phillip Meeson said he was delighted by the performance in the quarter to September.

Last month, the firm surprised the industry by becoming the first low-cost carrier to set up a major base at the north's biggest airport.

Mr Meeson said he was "delighted" by the response of passengers to the new routes from Manchester, but stressed that the company's main focus remained on Leeds-Bradford.

"Undoubtedly, this has been our busiest ever period of trading," he said.

"We have come a long way in a short period thanks to the people in the region and beyond who have fully embraced low-cost travel.

"People realise that the best discounts are available by booking early and demand has been phenomenal.

"We have responded to requests from our customers for more availability on our Spanish routes - which are our best sellers - by ramping up services."

Mr Meeson said the new service from Leeds-Bradford to Ibiza had rapidly become one of its best sellers.

And he hinted there were plans for further major expansion of the business.

"Our aim of becoming the number one airline for leisure travellers in the North of England will be soon realised if we continue to grow at this pace."

The ambitious airline, which is own by Dart Group Plc, has also unveiled a new-look tail fin which will adorn the company's aircraft.

The new design has been created to give Jet2.com a stronger presence at the bigger and busier airports it flies into, such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and Charles de Gaulle, Paris.