Leeds Bradford Airport bosses today said they believed the introduction of a new low cost airline would see passenger numbers increase by a third.

Managing director Ed Anderson said the airport was preparing for a rush of bookings as details of the region's new low cost airline's prices were revealed.

Jet 2 will begin flying from the airport on February 12, with services to destinations across Europe.

Tickets will cost from as little as £15 one way to Amsterdam, £19 to Malaga in Southern Spain, and £19 to Majorca.

And today Mr Anderson said there was a "great buzz" at the airport and high level of anticipation among staff.

"In a year this airline could help see a 400,000 rise in passengers and at the moment we have about 1.5 million, so that shows the scale of it," he said.

"This is the one thing that will take the airport to the next level. It is not just the increased awareness that Jet2 is providing, but the number of new destinations.

"Interest in this airline has been exceptional. The new flights start around Easter, and that will be just the right time as people start to think about holidays."

Jet2's chief executive Philip Meeson said he was expecting a rush for tickets after the airline started accepting bookings today. "With well over 22,000 hits on our website and more than 12,000 people registered, the response from the region to the arrival of Jet2, has been phenomenal," he said.

The first new planes will be arriving at the airport this Wednesday, dressed in the company's distinctive silver livery. People wanting to book flights should contact the Jet2 call centre on 0870 7378282 or visit Jet2.com.