Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.com confirmed that they will commence the first ever transatlantic flights to New York, from Leeds Bradford airport. Jet2holidays.com will offer four-day Christmas shopping breaks direct from Leeds Bradford to Newark airport.

Richard Bodin, Managing Director at Jet2holidays.com, said: “This is an important announcement for us. We knew this destination was one that our customers have been calling for and we are proud and thrilled to be able to be the first holiday company in the region to offer this great deal to such an amazing city.   This is the first in a series of exciting, specialist holidays that will allow people to experience a whole new range of activities and destinations.

“New York is one of those cities that everyone must see at least once in a lifetime.  It has so many iconic images and sightseeing opportunities, culture that is second-to-none, the world’s top stores and boutiques, and a fantastic array of restaurants, bars and clubs.”

Richard Bodin added: “We are launching with Christmas shopping breaks as our research suggested this was the one thing most people tend to recommend to friends as a must-do first experience, and something they tend to repeat.  And of course with the current strength of the pound against the dollar there’s never been a better time to enjoy great value for money and have fun spending in this great city.

“By offering a fully packaged experience from a trusted brand, at a local airport that includes accommodation, we are providing the perfect New York shopping experience. Additionally, travellers will be able to benefit from enhanced legroom through our upgrade service, Jet2PlusUSA.

“We are launching, initially, with four departures – however, if these are successful and in high enough demand we will add more to the programme.”

Since the low cost airline first launched in Leeds five years ago, the company has been deluged with requests to start this service, and following the Open Skies Treaty, which came into effect in March, rumours had been circulating that the region would be linked with a direct service to New York City in 2008.