Budget airline Ryanair today unveiled its schedule for Stansted next winter, which it says will support around 2,000 new jobs on-site jobs at the airport.

Ryanair, which last year signed a new long-term agreement following Stansted’s acquistion by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is to add eight new winter routes and to offer additional flights to and from 36 other destinations ? together equvialent to capacity for an extra 2million passenges a year.

Speaking at a launch event in London, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said: “As Stansted’s biggest airline, Ryanair looks forward to continuing to work closely with MAG to grow traffic, routes and jobs at Stansted Airport.

“Our eight new winter routes with multiple daily frequencies are ideal for business passengers or families booking a winter sun or ski getaway.

“Ryanair customers can also enjoy our recent customer service improvements including a second free carry-on bag, allocated seating and the use of portable electronic devices, with further improvements to be rolled out over the coming months.”

The eight new destinations being added by Ryanair for next winter are Athens, Basel, Bordeaux, Bucharest, Perpignan, Prague, Rabat and Skelleftea. They will bring the total number of Ryanair routes at Stansted to 109.

Stansted managing director Andrew Harrison said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Stansted. Ryanair is a very valued customer and the boost to next winter’s schedules, including new destinations and increased frequencies on key routes, gives leisure and business passengers even greater choice at great value and builds on the strength of Ryanair’s extensive network here at Stansted, their largest base in Europe.

“MAG acquired Stansted to unlock its full potential and return the airport to sustained growth. We’re making excellent progress with our £80m investment to transform the terminal building and the new security search area – double the size of the previous – is already open for business and work is now underway to transform services and facilities for passengers in the departure lounge.

“Ryanair passengers are already benefiting from customer service improvements including a second free bag and allocated seating with more changes to come. Ryanair is changing, Stansted is changing and today’s announcement is further evidence that we are succeeding in transforming Stansted under our new ownership.”