Channex goes low-cost from LBA
from the newswire today:
UK aviation services company Dart Group has this morning unveiled plans to join the increasingly crowded budget flights market by launching a low cost passenger service operation from Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Dart's Bournemouth-headquartered passenger and freight charter unit, Channel Express (Air Services), will operate the services, alongside its existing activities. The low cost operation, to be branded under the Jet 2 name, will utilise Boeing 737-300QC aircraft.
The company suggests use of the quick change aircraft will enable it to maximise the utilisation of its fleet - by operating passenger services during the day and cargo flights at night. In addition to using Channel Express' existing 737 fleet, the company also intends to acquire more aircraft to "support the expansion".
Selection of Leeds Bradford as the base for the services makes it the second airport in north England to unveil new low cost services this week. On 21 October Easy Jet announced it would launch a mini-hub at Newcastle International Airport next spring.
Dart Group chairman Philip Meeson says: "We are to be working with Leeds Bradford International Airport which has a catchment area of 9.5 million people, who are not adequately served by low cost carriers."
There were no details of Jet 2's proposed start date, fares or the size or content of its route network in the statement released by the Dart Group, the company stating only that Jet 2 will provide low cost passenger services to "European business and leisure destinations".
Dart estimates that start-up costs incurred in the current financial year will be around £2 million ($3 million), but expects Jet 2 to be earnings neutral in its first full year and "earnings enhancing thereafter".