IMPROVED links between Leeds Bradford and Heathrow airports are set to give regional businesses a £9 billion boost and create more than 11,000 jobs, it will be announced today.

Heathrow Airport will outline a set of commitments to strengthen the connections between the two sites, which is expected to boost Yorkshire businesses' global reach.

The move has been welcomed by Leeds North west MP Greg Mulholland who has long campaigned for improved connections.

The Liberal Democrat said: "This is exciting news for Leeds Bradford Airport but for the whole of the economy in the region.

"It's exciting to think that there will be far more opportunity to get on a plane to Leeds Bradford and onto all over the world.

"This shows confidence in Leeds Bradford Airport and the Leeds City Region.

"It also shows the importance our area plays in delivering further economic growth, not just locally but nationally."

Heathrow's chief executive John Holland-Kaye will meet his Leeds Bradford counterpart, John Parkin next month to discuss the benefits.

Heathrow is currently the only hub airport which connects to 75 global destinations not served by other UK airports.

The new package aims to support routes from Leeds Bradford to the hub and includes a review of Heathrow's charges for domestic routes.

Under the plans, a £10 million Route Development Fund would offer start-up support for new routes between regional airports and Heathrow.

Currently, the first daily departure from Leeds Bradford to Heathrow lands after 10.30am and the last return flight takes off before 3pm, reducing the chances of convenient connection time for passengers flying from Yorkshire to business destinations around the world.

Independent research has found an expanded Heathrow Airport would boost Yorkshire and the Humber to the tune of £9 billion in economic growth and create up to 11,200 new jobs.

Heathrow officials will also work councils and chambers of commerce to lobby airlines to improve the quality of the Leeds Bradford route.

Mr Parkin said: "Leeds Bradford is the international gateway airport for the great region of Yorkshire - an important tourist and business destination.

"Expansion at Heathrow will mean that our business and leisure passengers have access to a much wider choice of worldwide destinations serving the needs of our region.

"We now look forward to working with Heathrow Airport to secure more flights slots for carriers operating to LBA, ensuring our business community can increasingly connect to the world from Leeds Bradford."