Jet2 takes delivery of its first new-build plane

The carrier, which operates out of Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports and flies to 48 destinations, paid £2.9bn for the fleet.

The first one set off for Leeds Bradford today and will go into service later this month, following a fit-out of seats in the UK.

Ray Connor, president of Boeing Commercial Aircraft, said: “It’s an honour to hand this aircraft over to our friends at Jet2. I’ve got to say it looks fabulous in the silver and red livery.”

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, was joined by chairman Philip Meeson to sign the paperwork.

He said: “The arrival of these new aircraft to our fleet is a huge milestone in the history of Jet2.com and demonstrates how committed we are to investing in growing our business and providing more choice, comfort and quality than ever before to our passengers.”

The jets feature the latest technology on the flight deck and in the cabin including high capacity luggage bins and the ‘Sky Interior’ with colour changing mood lighting.

The new jets are expected to begin operating to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands later this year.