Ryanair has invested another £70m in Leeds Bradford International Airport as the airline's chief executive said the move will help the airport "eat into" Manchester's dominance in the north.
Michael O'Leary revealed his airline will base a new aircraft at Leeds Bradford and add another six destinations while creating 60 jobs in the process.
It takes the number of Ryanair routes from the airport to 26 and means there are now three aircraft permanently based in the region.
O'Leary said: "This is a great day for Leeds Bradford airport and for the partnership we share with the team here. Air travel and tourism are a great engine for economic growth and our latest commitment means up to one million passengers a year will now be flying from here with Ryanair.
"Leeds Bradford is a growing employer and the team here have worked hard to stimulate traffic growth in a very difficult climate.
"This will enable Leeds Bradford to take traffic back from places like Manchester and the surrounding airports. It's crazy that people cross the Pennines to Manchester when Leeds is here. It's a friendlier airport, car parking is cheaper, the terminal is easier and nicer to get through and it's just a much better place to fly from.
"The fact Leeds Bradford has won this aircraft is testament to the great work that is being done here by John Parkin and his team. It shows where Leeds is in the pecking order."
Leeds Bradford International Airport chief executive John Parkin said the decision cemented the airport's position as the fastest growing in the UK and added: "This is not about taking people out of the region to sun-drenched destinations. It is about connecting Leeds with the rest of Europe and bringing people here.
"This will help to underpin jobs and stimulate the local economy. I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing this money into the region."
The six new routes will be added in summer next year and will fly to Chania in Crete, Corfu, Dinard in France, Kos, Milan and Tenerife.
4/11/2011
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/61426-ryanair-targets-manchester-70m-lbia-cash
