The airline and operator has the option to extend the order to as many as 71. The firm orders will be delivered over a three-year period to 2031.

At base price, the order runs to approximately $3.9 billion and would grow to $8 billion if the full option for 71 aircraft was to be actioned.

However, in a note to the stock exchange, Jet2 plc said it had negotiated "significant discounts" on the base price.

The order means Jet2 plc now has 98 Airbus neo family aircraft on firm order, with the option to extend this to as many as 146.

While retaining flexibility over how the aircraft would be financed, Jet2 plc said it would be through a combination of internal resource and debt.

Executive chair Philip Meeson said: "We are delighted to build on our existing relationship with Airbus and to have placed this additional aircraft order which provides the company with certainty of supply well into the next decade.

"The order reflects our confidence that we have a much-loved product built on sector-leading customer service which we can continue to grow, and these aircraft will ensure our customers have a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us."