Back in 2009 JET2 were recruiting B767 type rated pilots and since then the rumours of a Long Haul programme with appropriate aircraft have been doing the rounds and nothing has come of it. There would appear to be no plans in the near future to launch a long haul programme nor acquiring aircraft to do it.
The possible acquisition of new aircraft would appear to be a near on certain possibility but they will be for JET2’s present flying programme. As it is common knowledge that the airplane manufacturers offer discounts of around 50% on any sizeable order, it would suggest that JET2 will be buying the aircraft rather than leasing. After all if they can negotiate a 50% discount on the aircraft order, why then would they want to lease the aircraft and give the advantage of the discount to the leasing company in extra profits? Surely it would be much better for JET2 to buy the aircraft outright with a bank loan at a low interest. This would also serve to compensate the quiet winter flying and avoid crippling high leasing costs.