easyJet has outlined plans to launch the first ever scheduled flights between Manchester and Moscow in spring 2013.

The low-cost carrier will operate four flights each way a week and plans to put flights on sale in the coming weeks.

The move follows the news last month that easyJet would launch five new routes by basing a seventh aircraft at Manchester.

The eighth aircraft, which will be based at the airport from March 2013, will create a further 80 cabin crew, pilot and ground handling jobs in Manchester taking the total number of new jobs from both new aircraft to 160 with a combined total of around 500 indirect jobs resulting from the expansion.

easyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of the first ever scheduled services between Manchester and Moscow.

“These new services exactly fit easyJet’s ‘join the dots’ strategy which is to add flights to destinations from multiple bases across Europe providing passengers with convenient point to point services.

“Russia has a fast growing economy and is a country rich in culture and history - so a direct link from the North of England has been long overdue.

“With our strong European network we look forward to connecting Moscow with other European cities.

“We are also pleased to be able to announce further expansion from Manchester with the arrival of another aircraft in March 2013.

“This is great news for the regional economy creating much-needed jobs in the city.”

The four hour flights will operate four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats onboard.

easyJet announced it had won the rights to operate flights between London Gatwick and Moscow in October.