The airline confirmed this morning that it is to operate a limited number of flights to New York to cash in on the pre-Christmas shopping market.

Four-day breaks direct from Leeds Bradford to Newark airport will cost from £699 per person, including three nights' hotel accommodation and all taxes and charges.

Packages are available now from the airline's Jet2holidays.com website for the trips that will depart during November and December. Return flights only are available from £579.98 including taxes.

While just four return trips will be offered initially, the airline says it will add more if there is demand. Flights will be on twin engined, 220-seat Boeing 757 jets.

Jet2.com's announcement confirms reports in the YEP last month.

The news comes just 24 hours after the airport – bought for £145m last year by private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital – confirmed the collapse of direct flights between Leeds and Pakistan, reported in later editions of yesterday's YEP.

Richard Bodin, managing director at Jet2holidays.com, said that since the airline was launched in Leeds five years ago, the company had been deluged with requests to start a New York service.

He said: "This is the first in a series of exciting, specialist holidays that will allow people to experience a whole new range of activities and destinations.

"With the strength of the pound against the dollar there's never been a better time to enjoy great value for money in this great city."