Leeds-based airline Jet2 has announced that it will soon be flying from yet another UK airport, despite the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Flights have been grounded for much of 2020 as Covid-19 has wreaked havoc across the globe for the airline industry.
However, Jet2 have today revealed that they will start flying from Bristol Airport in 2021. It will become the airline's tenth UK base and passengers will be able to fly to 33 destinations from the south-west terminal.
Among the European destinations on offer from Bristol are four exclusive flights, to Izmir in Turkey, Kalamata and Lesvos in Greece, and Costa de Almeria in Spain.
The first Jet2 flight from Bristol Airport will depart on April 1, 2021, with an inaugural flight to Lanzarote.
Around 200 new jobs will be created for people in the region, which will be a welcome boost as unemployment rates continue to rise during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, as we expand our award-winning flights and holidays to Bristol Airport.
"We know how much demand there is, because we have been listening to customers and independent travel agents in the region for some time. We are delighted to be bringing them the news that they have been looking forward to, meaning that they can finally enjoy real package holidays from Bristol Airport."
"The announcement of our tenth UK base reflects our long-term strategy to continue growing our successful business and become the UK’s leading leisure travel business. It also represents a significant investment in the region, including the creation of at least 200 new jobs.
Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to Bristol Airport. Never has the time been more important for the region to look to the future in a post-Covid world, and Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have shown the confidence in the strength of the region to open up their tenth UK operating base at Bristol Airport.
"This exciting news is a major step towards the future by creating job opportunities, providing significant investment and an increase in the choice of destinations and holidays available to customers in the region."
