Jet2.com turns the spotlight on Newcastle

As part of a planned expansion programme, the leading leisure airline announced a raft of exciting new developments including the launch of four exciting new routes - Bodrum, Rome, Reus and Venice. Flights to these popular destinations will commence from 31 May, with prices starting from £34.99 one way including taxes. North East holidaymakers will also be able to take advantage of Jet2holidays great value package holidays starting from £299.

Additionally, an additional aircraft will be based at the airport for summer 2012, taking the total to six. And over one hundred new jobs will be recruited over the coming months to service the expansion plans and additional capacity. Job seekers can apply for ground staff, cabin crew, flight crew and engineering roles at www.jet2.com/careers

The airline's renewed focus will add the potential for an extra 80,000 passengers to enjoy Jet2.com's award winning service, taking total seat availability to over 600,000 per year. There will also be extra frequencies of flights on favourite destinations such as Faro, Menorca, Malaga, Cork, Prague and Krakow.

Jet2.com who only last month added the exciting Croatian hotspot of Dubrovnik to its list of destinations, will service 27 destinations from Newcastle Airport for 2012, many more than any other operator in the region. The combination of exciting city breaks and the ever popular family holiday destinations also gives Jet2holidays a massive boost and delivers a raft of exciting ATOL protected city and sun holidays for the people of Newcastle and the North East.

Ian Doubtfire, managing director of Jet2.com, said: "We have been closely monitoring the success of this airport over the past year and we believe there's real potential for this region. The people of the North East have genuinely embraced Jet2.com and we see exciting horizons for our organisation right here. That's why, contrary to many other operators at the moment, we have decided to invest for the coming year and really focus and plan for a strong future in the region.

"In these tough economic times we are delighted to be creating more job opportunities for local people. Our partnership with Newcastle College to deliver first-class training to our growing team of cabin crew across all our bases, further demonstrates our commitment to the local economy. We are really excited by the wider opportunities this will create for the pool of talented learners already studying within the college."

This latest announcement comes on the back of a record summer for Jet2.com at Newcastle Airport - carrying half a million passengers to popular city and sun destinations, a 56 per cent increase on 2010. Since launching at the airport six years ago, the airline it has gone from strength to strength, helping over 2.1 million passengers jet away on holiday. Last week, the first of Jet2.com's successful New York shopping flights took off, the second of these special flights leaves for the Big Apple at 8am this Thursday.

Dave Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International, said: "We are delighted that Jet2.com has invested further in Newcastle Airport, and in turn the region. We work closely with our local authority shareholders to improve prospects for the North East in these difficult economic times. These five new routes will not only offer our customers the opportunity for leisure breaks, but also increase the scope for inbound tourism and business to business connections."

"Civil Aviation Authority data has told us that over 200,000 people from the airport's catchment area travel to other UK airports to reach Mediterranean destinations. We hope these brand new developments will encourage the travelling North East public to choose their local airport."

Ian Doubtfire added: "This year has been a fantastic year for us at Newcastle. We've seen flights taking off to five exciting new destinations and next month sees the return of our popular New York Christmas shopping breaks. In addition we have increased capacity on some of our most popular routes, added a new 737 to the fleet earlier this year plus recruited 47 new staff to take our airport passenger handling entirely in-house. This, combined with our ambitious growth plans for 2012 will firmly establish us as the North East's biggest leisure carrier."

New destinations snapshot:

Bodrum, Turkey - Weekly flights from 4 June 2012

With turquoise seas, golden sands, year round sunshine and a rich history, it's not surprising that Bodrum is a popular holiday spot. This charming and picturesque port is buzzing with traditional Turkish life - when not relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches, practise your haggling skills at the bustling bazaars, take a lazy boat trip down the Dalaman River, bathe in the mineral waters of the Karaada grotto or explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Tomb of Mausolus.

Jet2.comflights start from £61.99 one way including taxes. Jet2holidaysstart from £299 based on seven nights for a 3*self catering holiday including resort transfers and 22kg baggage allowance.

Rome - Flying twice a week from 31 May 2012

One of the worlds must-see cities, the vibrant and fascinating Italian capital is packed full of iconic ancient sights, from the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel to the imposing Colosseum and beautiful Trevi Fountain. Combined with romantic restaurants serving indulgent Italian food and a host of designer shops to suit even the fussiest fashionista, a Rome city break will really give you a slice of 'La Dolce Vita.'

Jet2.comflights start from £34.99 one way including taxes. Jet2holidayscity breaks start from £299 based on three nights staying in a 3* Bed & Breakfast.

Reus, Costa Dorada, Spain - Flying twice a week from 1 June 2012

This tranquil, picturesque town is perfect of those wanting to experience traditional Spanish life. Famous for the production of brandy there'll be plenty of opportunity to have a tipple at the many tapas bars. Relax in beautiful rocky coves with golden sands and blue seas or explore the nearby popular seaside resort of Salou. Thrill seekers will love the Port Aventura Theme Park or taking part in the many Spanish Fiestas when the streets come alive with live music, singing and flamenco dancing!

Jet2.comflights start from £34.99 one way including taxes. Jet2holidaysstart from £399 based on a seven nights 3* Half Board holiday including resort transfers and 22kg baggage allowance.

Venice - Flying three times a week from 31 May

One of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice is steeped in history and culture. Float along the canals in a gondola admiring the stunning architecture, making sure you visit iconic sights including the Basilica di San Marco and Ponte di Rialto Bridge. The Piazza San Marco comes alive at night time with a host of fashionable bars and restaurants. And no visit to Venice is complete without sampling some famous Italian ice cream while strolling along this unique floating city.

Jet2.comflights start from £36.99 one way including taxes. Jet2holidayscity breaks start from £329 based on three nights staying in a 3* Bed & Breakfast.

Dubrovnik - flying weekly on Saturday's from 9 June to 6 October 2012

Sitting on the most south eastern tip of the Croatian coast, Dubrovnik was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979, providing lots of exciting things to discover and explore. The fortified walls skirting the town create a great walk with spectacular views of the city's shiny white marble houses with glimpses of the beautiful crystal clear bay. With its beautiful beaches, romantic squares to enjoy a cosy meal and vibrant nightlife, Dubrovnik provides a perfect getaway for families, couples and groups alike.

Jet2.com flights start from £41.99 one way including taxes. Jet2holidays start from £399 per person for seven nights self catering including resort transfers and 22kg baggage allowance.

ATOL protected Jet2holidays can be secured with a £60 deposit and all customers enjoy the benefits of Jet2.com with friendly flight times, resort transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance. To book a holiday or find out further information, please visit www.Jet2holidays.com, freephone 0800 408 5599 or visit your travel agent.