STANSTED is welcoming a new leisure airline and package holiday specialist, bringing 250 new jobs to the airport.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have today announced that they will launch their first ever flights from Stansted, making it their ninth UK airport base and first in the South of England.

TOWIE star and Essex royalty Mark Wright was called in to officially announce the news today.

As part of the celebrations, Mark and the company marked the occasion with a huge free flights giveaway at Liverpool Street Station and on the Stansted Express.

Thousands of commuters received a free trip to one of the company’s 21 European sun destinations, including Ibiza, Kos and Tenerife, which are now on sale for summer 2017.

83 weekly flights will depart from the airport, meaning 800,000 seats will be available from spring 2017.

The airlines arrival at the airport will also create 250 new jobs, with roles including cabin crew and engineers.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting chapter in our history as it marks the day we bring our family friendly formula to the south of England and become a truly national brand."

Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive, London Stansted Airport said: “The announcement is a real vote of confidence in Stansted and we look forward to building a strong working relationship with Jet2 to ensure this exciting new partnership is an overwhelming success.”

Mark Wright said: “I’ve flown with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays numerous times and can’t rate them enough.

"I always fly with them when I’m working in Manchester. It’s great that they are finally coming down South and have chosen my local airport as their ninth UK base. They offer really good value.”

For more information, visit: www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com.