The new service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using a 737 aircraft with the capacity to carry 148 passengers.

The service will run throughout the summer until the end of October. However, if demand remains high, the airline is keen to introduce a year-round service.

Jet2.com has been flying commercial aircraft for nearly 30 years. For the first 20 years it operated under the name Channel Express (Air Services). It has its roots firmly in the Channel Islands, having begun by flying flowers and fresh produce to the UK, as well as delivering the Island’s post and newspapers.

The Chief Executive of Jet2.com, Philip Meeson, stated that: “We are thrilled to recognise our company’s history by launching this direct service between Jersey and the beautiful dynamic county of Yorkshire and we have already seen a high demand for flights."

"The launch of this service continues our route expansion and offers both leisure and business travellers from Jersey a low cost, efficient and award-winning service.”

The arrival of the new Jet2.com service has been welcomed by the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean, who has specific responsibility for Jersey Airport.

He observed that: “Leeds is a bustling city with a growing economy. It is also one of the most important financial sectors outside London and we look forward to building business links between Jersey and this region.”

The airline was to be officially welcomed to the Island on Tuesday 27th May at a reception attended by Jet2.com’s Managing Director, Ian Doubtfire and hosted by the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean.