THE FIRST of a budget airline's new batch of aircraft has arrived at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Thirty Boeing Next Generation 737-800 aeroplanes are being added to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays' fleet over the next two years.

The company took delivery of the the first of the 189 seat planes at a special presentation held at Boeing's Seattle Delivery Centre, in the US, last week.

The plane - the list price for all 30 was about $2.9 billion, though Jet2 says it has negotiated a 'significant' discount - has now made its maiden flight to the UK and touched down in Yeadon.

It is due to come into operation at Leeds Bradford Airport and begin commercial flights in the next few weeks.

Chief Executive Officer of Jet2.com & Jet2holidays, Steve Heapy, said: "The arrival of these new aircraft to our successful fleet is a huge milestone in our history and demonstrates how committed we are to investing in growing our business and providing more choice, comfort and quality than ever before to passengers.

"As we continue to flourish and fly millions of holidaymakers to more destinations than ever, these new aircraft will help us increase our capacity and fulfil our growth ambitions.

"We have recently been voted the best UK airline by users of TripAdvisor and Skytrax, and these aircraft, alongside our continued focus on great service, fabulous locations and cost effective prices will only help us continue building on this success."

The acquisition of the new aircraft is the latest stage in the growth of Jet2 since it began flights from Leeds Bradford in 2003.

Since then the company has expanded to become the fourth largest registered airline in the UK, flying more than six million passengers over the last financial year to 65 destinations, from nine British bases.

The Boeing 737-800 is part of the Next-Generation 737 family and is known for its comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency and advanced engine and wing technology.

The aircraft can fly approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,500km), up to 900 nautical miles more than earlier 737 models, and Boeing says it consumes five per cent less fuel while carrying more passengers than rival models.

Its interior is designed to offer more openness and extra leg room, with an eye-catching window design.

Senior vice president of European Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Monty Oliver, said: "We are honoured to deliver the first of thirty Next-Generation 737-800s to support the continued growth of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

“The aircraft is the perfect fit for the company's operations providing unrivalled economics, exceptional reliability and outstanding passenger comfort."