With airline Jet2 set to base a fourth aircraft at Belfast International Airport and expand its route network, fifty new jobs are set to be created on the ground said airport managing director Graham Keddie.
Jet2 revealed it plans a 39% increase in capacity for summer 2018 with eight new destinations, bringing the total number of routes operated from its Belfast base to 22.
Commenting on the news, Keddie said, “Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays will offer over 400,000 seats for summer 2018 and that will deliver enormous additional choice for the Northern Ireland holidaymaker.
“The welcome expansion will come new employment opportunities. Up to fifty jobs spread throughout the airport will have to be filled, including ground crew, pilots and cabin crew which will mean £1.5m (US$1.9m) in wages injected into the local economy.
“Our growth delivers real economic benefits for Northern Ireland. The more we grow our passenger traffic, the more we will see airlines and others investing here. We are delighted with Jet2’s wonderful vote of confidence and know the airline will see a tremendous up-take for its comprehensive list of holiday destinations.”