Leaders at budget airline easyJet have outlined plans to more than double its passenger numbers at London Stansted Airport over the next five years.

The carrier has signed a long-term growth framework deal with the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) - which purchased the south-east airport for £1.5 billion earlier this year - enabling it to add new services in the near future.

EasyJet currently transports 2.8 million people to and from Stansted each year, but this could rise to six million by 2018-19.

At the moment, the airline provides services to 27 routes from Stansted, including new flights to Bulgaria, Egypt and Morocco.

MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish said this deal is the "first step" in the airport's attempts to boost passenger traffic.

"London Stansted will flourish under MAG's ownership as we actively market the airport, the region and its strong connectivity, including direct rail access to both London and Cambridge," he remarked.