​UK budget airline Jet2 has purchased slots previously by defunct leisure operator Thomas Cook at Birmingham, Manchester and Stansted airports.

UK budget airline Jet2 has purchased slots previously held by defunct leisure operator Thomas Cook at Birmingham, London Stansted and Manchester airports.

Disclosing the deal, Jet2 did not specify the financial terms.

Chief executive Steve Heapy says the slots will enable the airline to continue expansion.

"We have been adding more flights and aircraft, resulting in increased capacity, at each of these bases for many years," he states.

"Today's announcement is the latest demonstration of our commitment to providing holidaymakers with more choice and flexibility when it comes to flying to sun, city and ski destinations with our award-winning airline."

Cirium schedules data shows that, from Manchester, Thomas Cook operated a total of 34 routes, around a third of them long-haul.

The carrier operated 10 routes from Birmingham and nine from Stansted.

EasyJet has also revealed that it purchased Thomas Cook slots at London Gatwick and Bristol airports for £36 million ($46 million).