In a first for Yorkshire, Jet2holidays and Jet2.com have announced they will begin holidays and flights to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh, direct from Leeds Bradford International Airport.

The first time a tour operator and airline have flown to the North East African destination from this region, Sharm el Sheikh has been launched as the Egyptian resort becomes increasingly popular with holidaymakers who are keen to visit locations even further afield, with guaranteed year round sunshine - direct from their local airport.

On sale now, Jet2holidays to Sharm el Sheikh will begin from February 2009.

With year-round sunshine, amazing coral reefs for diving enthusiasts, and one of the seven wonders of the world - Egypt’s spectacular pyramids just a road trip away - Sharm el Sheikh offers something for everyone. The resort is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Arabic world.

Mandy Round, General Manager of Jet2holidays, commented: “Sharm el Sheikh is proving to be an increasingly popular destination for UK holidaymakers who flock there for guaranteed, year round sunshine and the spectacular sites and scenery of Egypt. This launch is an extremely exciting development for Jet2holidays and Jet2.com as we begin to travel further afield and explore new destinations.

Ideal for everyone, from people who want a sun-drenched break by the pool, to those who want to explore the region’s spectacular underwater scenery, we are sure Sharm el Sheikh is going to be an extremely successful addition to our range of leading sunshine destinations – and extremely popular with Yorkshire holidaymakers.”

Tony Hallwood, Commercial and Aviation Development Director at Leeds Bradford International Airport, commented: “This new destination is a first for Yorkshire and the airport as Jet2holidays and Jet2.com become the first tour operator and airline in the region to offer holidaymakers the chance to visit Sharm el Sheikh direct from Leeds Bradford.

Increasing the choice and scope of destinations available from Leeds Bradford is crucial to the continued success and prosperity of the airport. We have been working closely with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for a long time to ensure that people in Yorkshire have a wide range of destinations available to them. This launch is testament to this long standing partnership.”