Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are increasing capacity out of Newcastle Airport by 6% for summer 2019.
The addition of almost 55,000 extra seats to existing destinations brings the total on sale to more than 930,000 – the airline and tour operator’s largest ever summer programme from the airport.
A larger Boeing 737-800 joins the fleet out of Newcastle, offering 32 sun and city destinations in total next summer 2019.
The increase in flights and holidays are to popular destinations, including the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, the Algarve, Greece and Turkey.
The number of flights to Alicante will increase from 11 to 12 a week, an increase in capacity of 16%.
There will be 11 weekly services to the Canaries (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote).
Daily services and larger aircraft on weekday flights will be offered to Faro.
For Majorca there will be 12 flights a week with a 9% increase in seat capacity and a capacity hike of 26% on the three weekly services to Minorca.
More seats will be available on flights to Halkidiki; an extra Wednesday service to Zakynthos, resulting in two weekly flights to the Greek island; while the season for Antalya will be extended until November.
The move follows increased demand from local holidaymakers for package holidays
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said the expansion demonstrated that its combination of “great value package holidays and family friendly flights” was working.
He added: “The addition of a larger Boeing 737-800 aircraft represents another huge investment in our base here, and gives local holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.”
Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “It’s great to see Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announce their biggest ever programme from Newcastle and the company’s further investment – replacing one of its current based aircraft with a larger Boeing 737-800 – is testament of its commitment to the region.
“Greece continues to be a favourite with our passengers thanks to mix of stunning beaches, centuries-old sights and laid-back towns, so the larger aircraft flying to Jet2com’s newest Greek destination, Halkidiki, and the increased number of flights to Zakynthos are sure to be well received. On top of this, the extended season to Antalya will provide even more choice across the year for those choosing Turkey.”