Low-cost airline Jet2.com expects to fly an extra 1.3 million passengers next year as it aims to become "the leading supplier of scheduled leisure flights from the north".

The airline, based at Leeds Bradford International Airport, has forecast passenger numbers to increase to 4.3 million next year from three million this year.

The announcement comes as Jet2.com's parent company, the Dart Group, reported surges in profit at its preliminary results for the year ended March 31.

The Dart Group saw its pre-tax profits grow to £16.6 million from £14.5 million in 2006.

Basic earnings per share were 8.78p.

The group used the profit announcement to unveil expansion plans by developing a range of longer distance low-cost services, and further investment.

The Dart Group spent £71.8 million in capital expenditure during 2006-2007, including five new Boeing 757-200 aircraft which expanded the airline's fleet to 29 aircraft.

In February, the group launched Jet2holidays.com, an online budget package holidays offering, which bosses say has so far garnered positive feedback from customers.

Group chairman and chief executive Philip Meeson said: "The ongoing need to be cost competitive remains a key business driver and the company believes that as volumes grow it will increase its competitiveness in the marketplace. Looking forward, the business anticipates a further year of growth in 2007 and 2008, and is confident that it is competitively placed to take full advantage of the opportunities in this sector in the future."

Mr Meeson also addressed recent criticism of the environmental impact of the aviation industry, saying: "The company is working hard to ensure that its aircraft are flown in the most environmentally friendly and fuel efficient way.

"A full time project general manager is committed to continuous monitoring of our fuel and environmental performance."

The Dart Group also operates a logistics company called Fowler Welch-Coolchain, which also made progress in the form of new business wins, improved sales and increased profits.

However Mr Meeson also said that further boosts in profit were unlikely in the group, despite the anticipated growth, due to the time and costs involved in developing new routes.