A leisure airline is set to create more than 170 new jobs at Stansted Airport.

Jet2.com, which began operating from the airport in April, has launched a major UK recruitment drive which will see 1,700 jobs created.

Its expansion plans also include creating a larger fleet of aircraft as it increases its capacity.

At Stansted, its newest base, it is looking to recruit a workforce of 170 pilots, cabin crew and ground operation staff.

The expansion is set to continue in summer 2018, as the company increases its overall capacity by 13% to 9.8m seats, it says.

Its summer programme includes more than 1.3m seats to 33 destinations from Stansted.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and sister firm Jet2holidays, said: 'It has been an exciting year for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, and we are delighted to be creating so many opportunities to join our award-winning team at London Stansted Airport.'

Jet2.com, the third largest registered airline in the UK, was recently named Best Airline – UK and Best Low-Cost Airline – Europe at the inaugural TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for airlines.

Its growing fleet includes 34 new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft which are being delivered between 2016 and 2019.

Its destinations include the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and a number of European cities.

David Burch, director of policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the news of new jobs.

'We very much welcome this announcement from Jet2 which is a further vote of confidence in the future of Stansted Airport,' he said.

'These posts will provide a real opportunity to be part of the increasing success that Stansted is seeing and further evidence of the airport's importance to the economy of Essex and the East of England.'

Stansted Airport's head of external affairs Chris Wiggan welcomed the jobs boost as 'fantastic' news, and said it reflected a 'very successful' start at the airport.

'We are delighted that Jet2.com is to create an additional 170 new jobs at the airport,' he said.

'This is fantastic news and a reflection of the very successful start the airline has enjoyed since opening its base here at Stansted in March this year.

'This announcement along with their significant summer 2018 growth plans will see the airline go from strength to strength at Stansted.'