Jet2 plc
Jet2 plc is a British leisure travel company headquartered in Low Lane, Yeadon, Leeds, England, that operates as the parent entity for the integrated Jet2.com airline and Jet2holidays package holiday provider, specializing in scheduled flights and ATOL-protected holidays to over 75 leisure destinations across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Europe.[1][2] As the United Kingdom's third largest airline by passenger volume, it carried 19.77 million passengers in the fiscal year ending March 2025, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, and serves as the country's leading tour operator with 6.58 million package holiday customers in the same period.[3][2] The company traces its origins to 1971, when it was founded as Air Carpenter, a small cargo operation transporting flowers, before evolving through various iterations—including as Channel Express and part of the Dart Group—into its current focus on leisure travel under the Jet2 brand launched in 2002.[4][2] Jet2 plc, formerly known as Dart Group plc until its rebranding in 2020, operates from 13 UK airports—including expansions to Bournemouth in 2024 and London Luton in 2025—with a fleet of 135 aircraft for the summer 2025 season, comprising Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A321neos, and plans to grow to 146 A321neos by 2035.[1][3] Its business model emphasizes vertical integration, offering low-fare flights, hotel accommodations in over 5,000 properties rated 4-star or higher on TripAdvisor, and ancillary services, resulting in over 60% repeat customers for Jet2holidays and high satisfaction ratings, including a Trustpilot score of 4.4 out of 5 and awards as a Which? Recommended Provider for short-haul airlines.[2][5][6] Financially, Jet2 plc reported record revenue of £7.17 billion for the year ended March 2025, up 15% from the prior year, driven by strong demand for both package holidays and flight-only bookings, with an operating profit of £446.5 million and net cash position of £2.02 billion. In the half-year ended 30 September 2025, group revenue grew 5% to £5.34 billion and operating profit 2% to £715.2 million.[3][7] Listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker JET2, the company employs over 11,400 customer-facing staff and covers 7 million passengers under its ATOL licence, positioning it as a dominant player in the UK's leisure travel sector amid post-pandemic recovery and strategic growth initiatives like a £250 million share buyback programme.[1][3]History
Founding and early freight operations
Jet2 plc traces its origins to 1971, when Art Carpenter established Carpenter's Air Services at Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire, England. The company initially operated scheduled passenger and freight services using a Piper PA-23 Aztec aircraft, with a primary focus on transporting perishable goods such as flowers from the Channel Islands, particularly Guernsey, to the UK mainland. This early venture laid the groundwork for the firm's expertise in time-sensitive air logistics, operating from small airfields to serve regional needs in Yorkshire and beyond.[8][4] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the business evolved through several name changes that reflected its growing emphasis on freight operations. In 1975, it rebranded as Express Air Freight to better align with its expanding cargo activities, before becoming Channel Express in 1983 following its acquisition by Philip Meeson, who shifted the focus toward dedicated air freight services. The company was formally incorporated and listed on the stock market as Dart Group plc in 1991, marking a period of structural consolidation while maintaining its core logistics identity. During this time, Channel Express acquired Handley Page Dart Herald turboprop aircraft in 1978, which became central to its operations for carrying mail and general cargo on routes connecting Yorkshire bases to destinations across Europe and the Channel Islands; these short-haul flights capitalized on the aircraft's suitability for regional, high-frequency services.[8][9][10] A pivotal development in the company's early freight era was securing a contract with Royal Mail in 1983 to handle first-class mail distribution, initially linking airports like Bournemouth, Bristol, and Liverpool. This agreement significantly boosted revenue and operational scale, enabling Channel Express to invest in fleet expansion and infrastructure. By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, the firm grew its freight network, adding larger aircraft such as the Lockheed Electra in 1989 and establishing dedicated maintenance facilities at Leeds Bradford Airport to support its increasing volume of cargo handling and aircraft servicing needs. These enhancements solidified Channel Express's reputation as a reliable provider of air freight solutions in the UK, with a strong emphasis on overnight and express deliveries.[8][9]Aircraft acquisitions and company evolution
In the early 2000s, Dart Group plc began significantly expanding its cargo fleet to meet growing demand in the freight sector. In March 2001, the company acquired its first Boeing 737-300QC (Quick Change) aircraft, previously operated by Lufthansa, which was converted for dual freight and potential passenger use to enhance operational flexibility.[11] This acquisition marked a pivotal step in modernizing the fleet beyond older models like the Fokker F27. Shortly thereafter, in May 2001, Dart Group purchased two additional Boeing 737-300QC aircraft from Lufthansa, further bolstering its capacity for time-sensitive cargo operations across Europe.[12] To support the increasing cargo volumes, Dart Group pursued further purchases and leasing arrangements throughout the decade. By 2003, the company ordered eight more Boeing 737s to expand its all-cargo and quick-change capabilities, enabling more efficient handling of perishable goods and parcel services.[13] In 2004, six additional Boeing 737-300s were acquired, primarily for cargo but with provisions for mixed operations, while selective leasing deals allowed temporary fleet augmentation without full ownership commitments.[14] These moves positioned the company to serve major clients, including a long-term contract with Royal Mail for dedicated freight flights using the 737-300QC variants.[15] Operational scaling necessitated infrastructure upgrades, particularly as cargo volumes grew. In 2003, Dart Group relocated its primary base to Leeds Bradford International Airport, gaining access to larger hangars and maintenance facilities to accommodate the expanding Boeing fleet and support round-the-clock conversions between cargo and passenger configurations.[16] This move enhanced efficiency for wet-lease operations, where Dart Group provided aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance to other carriers for specialized cargo routes, diversifying revenue streams beyond owned-fleet services.[4] Under the stewardship of Philip Meeson, who had guided the company since acquiring control in 1983, Dart Group underwent internal restructuring to streamline its aviation activities. This included formalizing subsidiaries like Channel Express (Air Services) Ltd., which focused on cargo operations and wet-leasing, allowing for clearer separation of freight logistics from emerging passenger ventures and facilitating targeted growth in the early 2000s.[17]Acquisition by Philip Meeson and stock market flotation
In 1983, Philip Meeson, a former Royal Air Force pilot and aerobatics champion, acquired Channel Express Group Limited in a management buyout from its previous owners, establishing controlling ownership and renaming it to reflect its expanded operations in freight and distribution services.[12] As the company's executive chairman and chief executive, Meeson steered its diversification strategy, transitioning from primarily freight-focused activities to include low-cost passenger aviation with the launch of Jet2.com in February 2003, while maintaining growth in logistics through mergers like the integration of Fowler Welch and Coolchain.[12] By March 2003, Meeson held a 41.3% stake in Dart Group plc (the rebranded entity), underscoring his pivotal role in shaping its entrepreneurial direction.[12] Dart Group plc, already listed on the London Stock Exchange's main market since 1991, transferred its shares to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) on 15 August 2005, a move framed as a flotation to the more flexible AIM platform.[18] This shift aimed to reduce regulatory burdens, lower compliance costs, and align with the company's growth-oriented, entrepreneurial style, while providing potential tax advantages for shareholders; Collins Stewart Limited was appointed as nominated adviser and broker to facilitate ongoing investor relations.[18] The transfer did not involve issuing new shares but supported strategic capital access for expansion, with the company's market capitalization reflecting sustained investor confidence in its diversification under Meeson's leadership—reaching approximately £100 million shortly after the move, up from prior levels amid aviation sector volatility.[19] Following the AIM transfer, Dart Group invested heavily in its aviation infrastructure and personnel to capitalize on passenger demand. Capital expenditure totaled £51.6 million in the year to March 2005, primarily directed toward acquiring and upgrading Boeing 737-300 aircraft for Jet2.com operations, including the addition of two larger Boeing 757-200 jets capable of carrying 235 passengers each, set to enter service in autumn 2005.[18] These investments expanded the fleet to 24 Boeing 737s and supported hiring additional aircrew, cabin staff, and engineers, enhancing operational capacity without compromising the low-cost model.[18] The AIM listing formalized investor relations protocols, enabling Meeson to communicate growth plans more dynamically and attract institutional interest focused on the leisure travel pivot.[18]Launch of Jet2.com and passenger services
In February 2003, Jet2 plc announced the launch of its low-cost passenger airline brand, Jet2.com, marking a strategic pivot from its primary freight operations to include scheduled leisure flights. The inaugural Jet2.com flight departed from Leeds Bradford Airport on 12 February 2003, bound for Amsterdam, operating as a twice-weekly service using a Boeing 737-300.[4][20] This launch was supported by the company's recent stock market flotation, which provided capital for the expansion into passenger services.[4] To facilitate the new passenger operations, Jet2 plc converted its existing Boeing 737-300 Quick Change (QC) aircraft, originally configured for freight, to accommodate passenger layouts during the day while retaining flexibility for overnight cargo runs. These conversions enabled the airline to utilize its fleet efficiently from the outset, with the initial two 737-300QCs acquired in 2001 serving as the foundation for the passenger service.[8][4] By April 2003, Jet2.com had expanded its schedule to include leisure routes from Leeds Bradford to destinations such as Barcelona, alongside Alicante, Milan, Malaga, Palma, and Nice, targeting popular European sun and city-break spots.[21] Early route development emphasized short-haul leisure travel to Mediterranean and Western European hotspots, with services growing to seven destinations by the end of 2003, all operated from regional UK airports to capture demand from underserved northern England markets. The airline's marketing focused on competitive low fares—starting as low as £20 one-way—and accessibility from regional bases like Leeds Bradford, positioning Jet2.com as a convenient alternative to major London hubs for UK holidaymakers.[20][22] In 2007, building on the success of its flight operations, Jet2 plc launched Jet2holidays as an integrated tour operator, offering ATOL-protected package holidays that combined flights with accommodations and transfers. This arm began with capacity for 23,000 passengers across 15 destinations, providing full financial protection under the UK's Air Travel Organisers' Licensing scheme to reassure customers amid growing demand for bundled leisure travel.[23][24]Sale of logistics division and rebranding
In January 2020, Dart Group plc agreed to sell its logistics subsidiary, Fowler Welch Limited, to Culina Group Limited for £98 million, with the transaction completing on 1 June 2020.[25] Fowler Welch, a temperature-controlled supply chain services provider serving food retailers, processors, growers, and importers, had unaudited net assets of £60.5 million as of 31 March 2020.[26] This divestiture marked the end of the company's involvement in freight and logistics operations, allowing it to eliminate a non-core segment that had historically dominated its business.[27] The strategic rationale for the sale was to refocus resources on the leisure travel sector, particularly the growth of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, amid uncertainties from Brexit and the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.[28] By divesting Fowler Welch, Dart Group aimed to streamline its operations into an integrated airline and package holiday model, enhancing agility in the passenger-focused market.[29] The proceeds provided immediate financial benefits, including a net cash inflow that strengthened the balance sheet, reduced debt exposure, and generated cost savings by eliminating logistics-related overheads.[30] Following the disposal, Dart Group announced its rebranding to Jet2 plc on 3 September 2020, with the name change registered at Companies House and effective from 16 September 2020.[31] The rebranding aligned the corporate identity more closely with its core leisure brands, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, signaling a complete pivot away from its freight heritage toward sustainable growth in travel services during pandemic recovery.[32] This shift supported operational efficiencies and positioned the company for post-crisis expansion in the integrated travel sector.[33]Expansions and developments since 2021
Following the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jet2 plc implemented recovery strategies that included leveraging government support programs and adjusting fleet plans to rebuild operations. The company utilized the UK Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which covered 80% of wages for furloughed employees, enabling Jet2 to retain approximately 80% of its UK staff during the grounding of flights in 2020. Additionally, Jet2 drew on the Bank of England's COVID Corporate Financing Facility to secure liquidity, supporting its financial stability amid the crisis. To manage fleet commitments, the airline cancelled 12 short-term aircraft leases in 2020 and deferred deliveries of new Airbus A321neo aircraft, allowing for a phased reintroduction of capacity as demand recovered. In March 2024, Jet2 expanded its network by establishing a new base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, its 11th UK operational hub, with the first flights departing on 28 March to 20 sunshine destinations using four based aircraft. This move added significant capacity in the North West region, operating 54 weekly flights and contributing to the company's post-pandemic growth trajectory. Building on this momentum, Jet2 launched two additional bases in early 2025: Bournemouth Airport in February, marking its 12th hub with up to 27 weekly flights to 16 destinations and over 280,000 seats on sale for summer 2025, and London Luton Airport in April, its 13th base featuring up to 36 weekly flights to 17 destinations with 430,000 seats available. These expansions collectively added over 710,000 seats for the summer 2025 season, enhancing accessibility to leisure routes across Europe, the Canary Islands, and Turkey. Overall capacity for summer 2025 reached 18.5 million seats, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year and underscoring Jet2's aggressive post-recovery scaling. Complementing these operational developments, the company amplified its visibility through marketing efforts, including a 2025 campaign leveraging the "Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday" jingle set to Jess Glynne's "Hold My Hand," which went viral on TikTok, inspiring thousands of user-generated videos and boosting brand engagement during the peak travel planning period.Corporate Affairs
Ownership and governance
Jet2 plc has been publicly listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker JET2 since November 2006. As of November 19, 2025, the company's market capitalization stands at approximately £2.70 billion, reflecting an 18.39% decline over the past year amid broader market fluctuations in the leisure travel sector.[34] The company's share structure consists of ordinary shares, with a total of 207,261,812 shares in issue as of July 31, 2025, each carrying one voting right. As of October 31, 2025, the total number of ordinary shares in issue was 199,123,296. On November 18, 2025, the company announced a new £100 million share buyback programme, to commence on December 1, 2025, and complete by June 30, 2026. Major shareholders include Philip Meeson, who acquired the company in 1983 and holds 15.00% of the total issued shares as of September 30, 2025. Other notable holdings are Silver Point Capital at 6.24%, with institutional investors such as Artemis Investment Management LLP (3.577%), JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Ltd. (3.304%), and Artisan Partners LP (2.884%) comprising a substantial portion of the 49.13% institutional ownership. Insiders collectively hold 20.92% of shares, underscoring Meeson's influential role.[35][36][37][38] The board of directors comprises executive and non-executive members, ensuring balanced oversight. Executive directors include Steve Heapy as Chief Executive Officer and Gary Brown as Group Chief Financial Officer. Non-executive directors feature Robin Terrell as Independent Chairman, along with Simon Breakwell, Rachel Kentleton (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director since September 4, 2025), and others. The board operates through specialized committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee (chaired by Rachel Kentleton), the Remuneration Committee, and the Nomination Committee, which oversee financial reporting, executive compensation, and board appointments, respectively.[39][40][41] Jet2 plc adheres to the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, as detailed in its annual reports, with the board maintaining high standards of governance through regular evaluations and transparency in decision-making. The company emphasizes sustainability reporting, including compliance with new UK regulations on food waste collection at its offices and broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures aligned with Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.[40][42][43] The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on September 4, 2025, in London, saw all resolutions passed with strong shareholder support, including approval of the annual report, declaration of a final dividend of 12.1 pence per share (a 13% increase from 2024), and re-elections of key directors such as Robin Terrell. The meeting also reaffirmed the company's unchanged long-term strategy focused on leisure travel growth, with updates on passenger expansion and margin improvements provided at the interim results on November 18, 2025. A minor correction to voting results was issued on September 6, 2025, adjusting withheld votes but not affecting outcomes.[44][45][46]Management team
The management team of Jet2 plc is led by a core group of executive directors focused on integrating the company's airline and package holiday operations to drive leisure travel growth.[39] Steve Heapy serves as Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since 2013 after joining the company in 2009 as Managing Director of Jet2holidays and later becoming Chief Commercial Officer of Jet2.com. With prior senior roles at MyTravel and Libra Holidays, Heapy oversees the seamless integration of Jet2.com's airline services and Jet2holidays' package offerings, emphasizing customer-focused expansion and operational efficiency.[39][47] Philip Meeson, who acquired the company in 1983, provides ongoing strategic oversight as Founder and Adviser to the board following his transition from Executive Chairman in 2023. His involvement continues to influence long-term direction in the leisure sector.[48][49] Gary Brown has been Group Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director since 2013, bringing extensive finance expertise from senior positions at J Sainsbury plc and Matalan plc, where he focused on retail and consumer goods sectors; as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, he manages financial strategy and investor relations.[39][47] Phil Ward acts as Chief Operating Officer for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, a role he has held since 2005, directing day-to-day operations including flight scheduling, ground handling, and customer service across the network.[50][51] The leadership structure integrates oversight of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays under Heapy, with no separate dedicated heads for each division, allowing unified decision-making on route development and holiday packages.[47] Succession planning is managed by the Nomination Committee, established in April 2024, which reviews board composition, senior management structure, and internal talent development through programs like CheckIn2Management and graduate initiatives to ensure leadership continuity.[47] Diversity initiatives in leadership include recent appointments of two female non-executive directors to the board, reflecting the workforce's near 50/50 gender balance, alongside the forthcoming Jet2 Women in Leadership Programme and focus groups like Women in Tech to promote inclusive advancement.[47] Executive compensation comprises base salary, pension contributions up to 14% of base, benefits, and performance-based incentives under the Senior Executive Incentive Plan (SEIP), capped at 150% of base salary and weighted 60% on profit, 20% on customer metrics, and 20% on personal objectives; the Share Reward Plan provides additional long-term awards vesting over three years tied to overall company performance, people-service-profits principles, and sustainability goals.[47]Financial Performance
Historical revenue and profitability
Jet2 plc, originally operating as Dart Group plc, began as a freight-focused business in the late 1970s, with revenues growing steadily through the 1990s to exceed £30 million annually by the early part of the decade, driven by its logistics and distribution services. By the early 2000s, this growth accelerated, reaching over £194 million in turnover for the fiscal year ended March 2002, predominantly from freight operations that included air cargo and ground logistics.[14][12] The launch of passenger airline services under Jet2.com in 2002 marked the beginning of a strategic pivot toward leisure travel, which gained momentum with the introduction of package holidays via Jet2holidays in 2007. This shift significantly boosted revenues, with group turnover rising 23% to £429 million in the year ended March 2008, as ancillary income from holidays and increased passenger volumes began to dominate. By the late 2010s, the passenger segment had transformed the business, contributing to pre-COVID peaks where fiscal 2019 revenue hit £3.14 billion, over 90% of which stemmed from leisure travel activities including flights and holidays.[17][52] Profitability during this period reflected the evolving business model, with operating margins in the 2010s typically ranging from 5% to 7%, though subject to pressures from fluctuating fuel prices and expansion costs. For instance, the operating profit margin stood at 5.5% in one recent pre-2019 year amid investments in fleet and routes. Key to these trends was the declining role of freight, which accounted for nearly all revenue in the early 2000s but fell to under 6% (£178.7 million out of £3.14 billion) by 2019 as leisure operations scaled.[53][52]Recent financial results (2020-2025)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Jet2 plc's financial performance in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 (FY2021), as travel restrictions grounded most flights from March 2020 onward. Revenue plummeted 89% to £395.4 million from £3,584.7 million in FY2020, while the company reported a loss before tax of £341.3 million, compared to a pre-exceptional profit of £261.6 million in the prior year. Passenger numbers fell 91% to 1.32 million sectors from 14.62 million. The group received £97.9 million in support from the UK Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough program), which helped mitigate costs by topping up colleague salaries.[54] Recovery began in FY2022 but remained challenging, with revenue rising to £1,231.7 million amid partial resumption of operations, yet the company still incurred an operating loss of £323.9 million and a loss before tax of £388.8 million due to ongoing restrictions and high fixed costs. Passenger numbers increased to 4.85 million. The sale of the group's distribution and logistics business, Fowler Welch, to Culina Group for £98 million in June 2020 provided a cash influx that aided liquidity and contributed to net debt reduction during this period. By FY2023, full recovery materialized, with revenue surging 309% to £5,033.5 million, operating profit reaching £394.0 million, and profit before tax at £371.0 million; passengers grew to 16.22 million.[55][56][57] Subsequent years showed sustained growth. In FY2024, revenue increased 24% to £6,255.3 million, operating profit rose 9% to £428.2 million, and profit before tax jumped 43% to £529.5 million, supported by 17.72 million passengers. For FY2025, revenue grew 15% to £7,173.5 million, operating profit edged up 4% to £446.5 million, and profit before tax advanced 12% to £593.2 million, with passengers up 12% to 19.77 million; the board recommended a final dividend of 12.1 pence per share, bringing the total to 16.5 pence. The balance sheet strengthened, with total cash reserves at £3,155.8 million and net cash position improving 17% to £2,017.9 million, reflecting reduced total debt of £1,137.9 million post the earlier logistics divestiture.[58][3] For the half year ended 30 September 2025, revenue increased 5% to £5,342.2 million, operating profit rose 2% to £715.2 million, and profit before tax advanced 1% to £800.3 million, driven by 14.09 million passengers, up 6% from the prior year.[7]| Fiscal Year | Revenue (£m) | Operating Profit/Loss (£m) | Profit Before Tax (£m) | Passengers (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,584.7 | N/A | 261.6 (pre-exceptional) | 14.62 |
| 2021 | 395.4 | N/A | -341.3 | 1.32 |
| 2022 | 1,231.7 | -323.9 | -388.8 | 4.85 |
| 2023 | 5,033.5 | 394.0 | 371.0 | 16.22 |
| 2024 | 6,255.3 | 428.2 | 529.5 | 17.72 |
| 2025 | 7,173.5 | 446.5 | 593.2 | 19.77 |
Operations
Airline services (Jet2.com)
Jet2.com operates as a low-cost carrier from 13 UK bases, including its primary hub at Leeds Bradford Airport, serving approximately 85% of the UK population within a 90-minute drive.[3] The airline also maintains three overseas bases at Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South airports to support its network, alongside seasonal charter flights that complement its scheduled services during peak travel periods.[59] In the year ended March 31, 2025, Jet2.com carried 19.77 million passengers across its routes, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year.[3] The business model emphasizes affordable no-frills fares while including key amenities to enhance customer value, such as a generous 22kg hold baggage allowance and free allocated seating upon booking.[2] Passengers can opt for preferred seat selection for an additional fee, contributing to ancillary income streams.[60] This approach differentiates Jet2.com from stricter low-cost competitors by prioritizing comfort without inflating base prices, with non-ticket revenue—derived from add-ons like in-flight meals, extra baggage, and integrated hotel bookings through Jet2holidays—reaching £25.56 per passenger sector in 2025, up 6% from 2024 and accounting for approximately 25% of total airline revenue.[3][61] Customer service is managed through UK-based call centers, enabling responsive support for bookings, changes, and queries, which has contributed to strong satisfaction metrics.[2] In 2025, Jet2.com achieved a customer satisfaction score of 83.1 out of 100 in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), ranking it as the top leisure airline and retaining its position as the leading transport provider overall.[62] The airline reported an overall satisfaction rating of 92% in independent surveys, underscoring its focus on reliable service and minimal disruptions.[63] Sustainability initiatives include the adoption of fuel-efficient aircraft operations to reduce emissions intensity, which fell to 65.7 gCO2e per revenue passenger kilometer in 2025 from 66.4 the prior year.[3] Jet2.com introduced a comprehensive carbon offset program in 2021, offsetting every tonne of emissions not covered by schemes like CORSIA and the UK/EU ETS until 2023, with ongoing commitments to net zero by 2050 through investments in sustainable aviation fuel and electric ground equipment.[64] Over 1,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel were purchased in 2025 to further these efforts.[3]Package holiday offerings (Jet2holidays)
Jet2holidays, the package holiday division of Jet2 plc, was launched in 2007 to complement the group's airline operations by offering integrated travel experiences.[24] As the UK's largest tour operator by ATOL licences, it provides comprehensive, ATOL-protected holiday packages that bundle flights, accommodation, and additional services, having built a reputation for reliability and customer focus since its inception.[3] Jet2holidays is the UK's largest tour operator by ATOL licences, with its licence covering over 7 million customers annually, representing more than 21% of all licences issued in the UK.[65] The core offerings of Jet2holidays centre on all-inclusive packages primarily to popular Mediterranean destinations and the Canary Islands, featuring partnerships with over 4,000 hotels and apartments to suit various budgets and preferences, from family-friendly resorts to luxury options.[66] These packages emphasize value and convenience, including three daily meals, drinks, and snacks in all-inclusive deals, alongside options for self-catering or half-board stays.[67] Booking is streamlined through the Jet2holidays app or website, where customers can secure holidays with a low £60 per person deposit and spread payments monthly, all protected by both ATOL and ABTA schemes for financial security.[68] Promotional incentives, such as free child places available across all seasons and destinations, further enhance accessibility for families, covering flights, accommodation, and transfers for eligible children.[69] Unique features set Jet2holidays apart, including a standard 22kg baggage allowance per person on flights, complimentary resort representatives for on-site support, and included transfer services to and from hotels, ensuring a hassle-free experience from booking to return.[70][71][72]Destinations and route network
Jet2.com operates from 13 UK airports, including major hubs like Manchester and Birmingham, as well as newer 2025 bases at Bournemouth and London Luton, providing broad access across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. This network connects to over 75 destinations in 25 countries, encompassing more than 590 routes focused on short-haul leisure travel across Europe and the Mediterranean.[73][74][75] The primary destinations emphasize sun-soaked leisure spots, with Spain dominating the network—over 100 routes account for approximately 60% of operations, including high-frequency services to Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and the Canary Islands like Tenerife South and Lanzarote. Greece follows with extensive summer connections to Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes, and Corfu; Turkey via Antalya, Dalaman, and Bodrum; and Portugal through Faro and Porto. Emerging growth includes Croatia, with new 2025 routes to Pula alongside established services to Split and Dubrovnik, reflecting increasing demand for Adriatic resorts.[73][74][76] Seasonal patterns shape the network, with summer schedules (April to October) prioritizing beach resorts in the Mediterranean, Balearic Islands, and Turkish Riviera through increased frequencies and extended services. Winter operations (November to March) pivot to the Canary Islands for year-round warmth and Alpine ski destinations like Geneva, Chambery, and Salzburg, often with weekly services tailored to holiday peaks.[73][77] In addition to scheduled flights, Jet2.com provides ad-hoc charter operations for sports teams and events, enhancing flexibility beyond its core leisure focus. Since 2023, the network has grown by about 15%, driven by new routes, base expansions, and capacity boosts that prioritize short-haul leisure connectivity while integrating with Jet2holidays packages.[3][78][79]Fleet composition
Jet2 plc operates a fleet of 135 aircraft as of summer 2025, comprising primarily Boeing 737 narrowbody jets supplemented by a rapidly expanding complement of fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft. This composition supports the company's leisure-focused operations, emphasizing high-capacity, single-class configurations optimized for short- to medium-haul routes. The fleet's average age stands at 13.6 years, reflecting a mix of mature Boeing assets and newer Airbus additions.[3][80]| Aircraft Type | In Service | Configuration (Seats) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | 105 | 189 (all economy) | Core narrowbody; winglets on most for efficiency. |
| Boeing 737-300 | 7 | 148 (all economy) | Older type; scheduled for phase-out. |
| Airbus A321neo | 23 | 232 (all economy) | Newest addition; high-density layout for capacity growth. |