...is to maintain the acquisition of second hand B738s and slowly replace the B733s and B752s as and when they need to be retired.
At the moment I believe that this is the route they are most likely to take. Now, more than ever, the 737NG on the second hand market is becoming increasingly cheaper, with the release of the 737MAX. My wonder is whether Jet2 will replace some of the 737-300s with some 737-700s, or whether they'll just stick with the constant addition of the 738. Of course, as we have seen, the size of the 733 is a useful compliment to the bigger 738, especially on the shallower city routes.
Personally, I really don't see Jet2 changing from a Boeing to an Airbus/a mixed Boeing and Airbus fleet. I think that Jet2 will stick with what they know - either continuing to expand with second hand 738s, or potentially place an order for brand new 737NGs (-700s and/or -800s) when the first 737MAXs start to roll out, as the price of new NGs will be significantly cheaper then.
Of course, whilst there is a clear replacement for the ageing 737-300s, this still leaves the replacement of the 737-300QC, and the 757-200.
Though nothing can truly replace the 757, Jet2 are either going to have to down/upsize. To downsize, the most logical solutions lie in either the 738's they have currently, the 737MAX 200s (though unlikely), or the A321. I don't think downsizing would be the best way, but I wouldn't rule it out. To upsize, the most logical solution would be the 767-300. Both the 75 and the 76 began production at the same time, only the 763 is still being produced. The addition of 763s would allow for increased capacity on bucket and spades, as well as an increase on seasonal NY flights. Of course, the addition of larger aircraft could potentially bring substance to scheduled long haul ops, as part of Jet2holidays.
Personally, I think that the 767 would make more sense as opposed to the A330, mainly because;
- It would maintain a common type (Boeing)
- The 757 and 767 share a common TR, meaning current pilots require less adjustment training, and hence is cheaper
- Similar Boeing parts library
Whilst there are a few options for the 757, there are only two options for replacement of the 737-300QC.
If Jet2 were to start to replace some of the older 733's in favour of NGs, Jet2 could have some of the 733s converted into Cargo only like G-CELW. This however, is not a long term solution.
Other than that, the second option is to have some P to F 737NGs. IAI Bedek have launched a program that converts 737-700s (and later -800s) into P to F aircraft. The viability of the Royal Mail contract does come under scrutiny in such case, but for a seasonal airline like Jet2, the Mail flights help tide over some of the less busy winter operations
