Ryanair invests £70m at Leeds Bradford Airport

LOW cost airline Ryanair has announced the launch of six new routes from Leeds Bradford International Airport following a £70m investment in a third aircraft based at the site.

The company promised new routes for summer 2012 flying to Chania in Crete, Corfu, Dinard, Kos, Milan and Tenerife.

The airline is also to extend its existing Kaunas and Riga routes from the airport next summer.

Ryanair will now boast 26 routes from the airport and Mr O’Leary said the increased services would push the number of passengers at the airport using the airline to almost one million.

COMMENT: New routes are sideshow as O’Leary takes centre stage

Mr O’Leary said the basing of a third aircraft at Leeds Bradford was a testament to the efforts of the airport’s management team and its growing reputation as a major regional airport.

He said around 60 new jobs would be created by Ryanair with the move, meaning the Irish carrier would sustain 900 jobs in total in the region.

Mr O’Leary said: “Leeds Bradford is one of the real gems for economic growth, tourism growth and job creation here in the North East.

“Ryanair is very proud of our very successful partnership with Leeds Bradford.”

Tony Hallwood, of Leeds Bradford International Airport, said: “We welcome Ryanair’s continued growth at Leeds Bradford, the fastest growing airport in the UK.

“We are proud that the introduction of six new destinations flying locally and conveniently from Yorkshire’s gateway airport will bring new jobs and investment in 2012.

“Today’s announcement will also help in attracting an increasing number of inbound visitors to explore Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.”