Madeira is being targeted for major growth by Jet2.com and Jet2holidays with year-round flights and holidays.
The company has more than 400,000 seats on sale to the Atlantic island, with major growth for this summer, winter 2018-19 and next summer, demonstrating the Portuguese destination’s year-round appeal.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate up to 12 weekly flights to Madeira from across its network of nine UK bases, including a new exclusive route from Belfast International airport.
This means the company has almost 135,000 seats on sale – a 36% hike in capacity over last summer.
Next summer will see bigger programme in operation with a 21% increase in capacity to provide more than 160,000 seats.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are increasing capacity by 29% for the winter, with up to 13 weekly flights from across nine UK airports from the end of October until March next year.
The company has also extended the number of hotels offered in Madeira to more than 65 and villas available via through Jet2Villas
Chief executive Steve Heapy said: “Madeira is a very important destination for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which is reflected by these fantastic growth figures.
“The island has established itself as a firm favourite with Britons of all ages, as it has so much to offer right throughout the year.
“This news is a real boost for the tourism industry and is living proof that we are not just working to fill hotels in the peak summer season but that we are working with our hotel and industry partners such as the Madeira Promotion Bureau to achieve the best possible results all-year round.”
Madeira Promotion Bureau managing director Roberto Santa Clara added: “We are very pleased with the growth of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays operation to Madeira.
“This is the result of a long partnership between the company and Madeira Promotion Bureau, as we have been developing joint strategies that led to these excellent results.
“Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is a very important partner and has been showing an important commitment with the destination.
“It’s important to state that we believe the British interest in Madeira keeps on growing and we are reaching new audiences.”