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.

Does anyone know if G-CELA and G-CELK are undergoing maintenance?. It's just G-CELA doesn't seem to have operated since the 9th of April and G-CELK has not operated since 19th of April.

LK is in for a C check. Don't know about LA.

LSM,

I would suggest that what Gorter is referring to i.e. Globespan's record of North Atlantic operations, is a matter of public record. It is not contentious or libellous.

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Merseyside | Airline fined over faulty plane

Anyway, back to Jet2. People keep talking about the seasonal nature of Jet's operation and how it wouldn't suit a leased fleet of aircraft. I understand that Thomson send several 737's to Canada to offset their lack of their flying over the winter. This explains how they manage it, but how do other charter airlines (I'm thinking specifically of Thomas Cook) or other small scheduled low cost airlines who's flights are mainly to holiday destinations (Monarch) cope despite having largely (or indeed entirely) leased fleets?

I don't know if anyone knows how Jet2's fleet usage compares to TC and MON over the winter, but being similar sized airlines with similar short haul routes, I would have thought the seasonal nature of their business would be similar (TC's long haul network notwithstanding).

Jet2 obviously have several strings to their bow, with a decent number of charters over the winter as well as the royal mail contract to keep things ticking over, but this talk of fleet renewal with possibly a fair number of leased aircraft made me wonder, would there be a need for them to tinker with their business model to accommodate a leased fleet?

TUI own or have a controlling share of Sunwings now, the B737's and European pilots to Canada will be extended to all of the group in Europe eventually, I was running into British TCX guys in the Caribbean flying the Condor aircraft all winter, couldn't tell you if that includes offloading airframes too...

These are significantly more 'grown up' and developed UK company's than Jet2 - Monarch...well, just surviving and evolving I guess...and I hope it does!

One thing is for sure, the days of summer only existence and parking aircraft up, is a very 'temporary' thing and will need to change...

I am surprised EXS haven't looked at more Scandinavian charters into destinations like the Canaries in the Winter or possibly a Winter / Summer capacity exchange agreement with a Scandinavian carrier such as Primera Air.

Transatlantic
 

As far as I am aware there are no plans to get rid of the 757 fleet any time soon, I believe they are planned in the program for at least another 5 years, probably only the newer frames. I cannot see the 737-800 doing any transatlantic operations in the near future. If anything with the fleet replacement debate the 757s will continue until a replacement is ordered, even when ordered will probably take another 3 + years before deliverys begin.

With more relevance to Jet2, Privilege Style 757-200 EC-ISY performed its first flight of the summer to ACE this morning, after being ferried from MAD to MAN yesterday.

As many have said, the 737-800, as great an aircraft as it is, isn't suitable to haul 189 people to the big apple. The 757 is a perfect fit to Jet2's fleet. Jet2 will keep it for as long as they can - they're maintained to a very high standard, and hence, still have a lot of life in them yet. Aircraft leasing is not something Jet2 are very fond of, given their seasonal nature. Owning the aircraft outright means that losses in the winter, will not be so big. The reality is, a big lease could crush Jet2 in the winter. The best way for Jet2 to continue to grow, is to do as they have been - 3-4 second hand aircraft additions every year, most owned outright.

As I have mentioned, anything smaller than the 757 for transatlantic routes is useless, that includes both the A321 and 738. Irrespective of what you might think, no A321 is going to haul a full load of passengers and their 22kg luggage each, all the way to New York, without stopping mid-route. I would think one or two second hand 767-300ER(WL), (maybe in the region of 8-10 years old) bought outright would be a lot more appropriate for Jet2. They're very flexible, just like their sister, and would fly packed trunk bucket and spades to the likes of TFS, ALC, PMI, DLM etc. during the summer, and offer extra capacity on the seasonal New York flights during the winter. Jet2 have already expressed their interest in bigger capacity aircraft, with the 767 pilot recruitment in 2010, and the fallen through lease of the A330 this year.

jet2-738
 

Not sure why anything smaller than a 757 is unsuitable for New York the 757 it's a narrow body after all 3/3 seating so what the difference ? Boeing claim the 737-800MAX will do UK to JFK direct, agreed the current NG isn't suitable, ultimately its all about leg room.

Norwegian certainly plan to do LGW/BHX/MAN/EDI direct to the USA in 2017 with the MAX, it should also be remembered that the current production 738NG are significantly more fuel efficient than early build 800's

After all from a punters point of view whats the difference between Northern Europe to LPA/TFS than LGW/JFK is all about leg room, the worst flight i ever did (as a PAX) was MAN -BJL on a 757 i couldn't walk for 3 hours, it was a joke, the charter spec 757 is one of the worst aircraft ever for leg room. Great aircraft but not in 225+ spec

this from an online forum
Submitted by SeatGuru User on 2015/01/05 for Seat 15B
This is the worst flight I've ever been on (I fly about a dozen times a year). I wish I had taken I ruler with me because I would question whether this plane's seating meets airline regulation standards of a minimum of 28" seat pitch. My leg length is 24" from the back of the seat to knee (I'm 5'11") and I was wedged in. It was claustrophobic, deeply uncomfortable and I'd go as far to say distressing (never had any issues flying before). Never want to fly Thomas Cook again.

I myself have fallen victim to a 5-6 hours flight, with appalling leg room, and so I know exactly how you feel. That said, having been on Jet2's 757's before, (with the charter-style seats) and after the slimline recaro seats were rolled out, I can definitely speak of the huge difference in legroom you get with the slimline seats - even for someone 6ft+.

What I meant was anything smaller than a 757 would be unsuitable for Jet2, simply because of how increasingly popular the seasonal flights are. By reducing the capacity available, Jet2 wouldn't be able to sell as many seats, and might have to put on extra sectors. I understand how Norwegian plan to do USA with the 737MAX, but I beleive that NAX's business model is a little less seasonal than Jet2's, and from what I understand, the flights will be more frequent than just seasonal. If Jet2 were to have more frequent flights to the USA, I do think that the 737MAX would be a viable option, but just don't quite think the NG is up to it, as you said :ok:

Most of my Jet2 flights have been on the 733 and leg room hasn't been a problem, the problem with 4+ flights is you need more personal space, i have not yet flown on a Jet2 757 so can't comment.

You can't build a transatlantic program on adhoc seasonal charter flights at Jet2 current frequency around xmas charters, it works only because its low season and aircraft and crews are available, operating multi weekly frequencies require reliable fuel efficient aircraft, a tech problem down line will wipe out a weeks worth of profit

Whilst some operators can use USA/Canada flying to cover winter low season, you need modern kit to do it, unless and until Jet2 think outside the UK box they are stuck with seasonal flying, next year 2016/2017 will be good for 737 rated pilots, Norwegian, Ryanair will need hundreds of crews and will be offering UK bases + maybe Monarch 737's order might happen, i expect my income to increase by at least 20% in 2016 off the back of training and basic increases after few flat years

Not seen this mentioned??

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays Summer 2016 Scorcher | Jet2.com

What does this relate to?

SWBKCB
 

The way i read it is marketing spin for using an 800 instead of a 300

is the 800 not actually bigger than a 300, then?? :eek:

Jet2 4
 

Yea it is...

Fleet Addition - G-JZHE
 

Rumours seem to suggest that Jet2 are to acquire an extra aircraft in the near future.

PK-GER, Boeing 737-800WL, currently in the hands of Garuda Indonesia, is due to be wfu in August 2015. The aircraft is currently 14.3 years old, which would make it the 3rd youngest in the Jet2 fleet. Rumour has it that Jet2 are to acquire the aircraft after its time at Garuda Indonesia, to become G-JZHE.

However, it would surprise me if this was the first 738 from GIA. The company has already placed an order for 50 737 MAX 8's, the first due in 2017, to replace the older 737-800's.

GIA will be looking to be rid of 12 737-800's in total, their age ranging between 10-14.5 years old. This is a potential gold mine for Jet2 - mid-aged 738's, all fitted with winglets, and because GIA want to sell them asap before the newbies arrive, it means that Jet2 might be able to drive a bit of a bargain... :ok:

SWBKCB
 

Nope its not bigger than a 733 its longer, from a customer point of view nothing changes apart from a longer queue to check in or to collect your luggage, bigger aircraft 'statement' implies err well a bigger aircraft.

Its worth remembering that these NG being acquired by Jet2 are at least 10% more fuel hungry than the latest build NG's with PIP

I would love to see Jet2 place a new aircraft order Boeing or Airbus but i remain unconvinced that whilst you can take Channex out of freight, they have yet to take the freight mentality out of Channex

2016 will be Jet2 most challenging year yet, ZB have lowered their cost base, Ryanair have improved their product offering and Norwegian plan a major push on the UK market outside of LGW in the Midlands & Edinburgh

Sounds good except the 12 B738s are not owned by Garuda as they are leased, so JET2 would need to drive a bargain with the lessor.....and leasing aircraft goes against the present JET2 business model.

Having had a decent length lease the lessor may be willing to sell the aircraft to Jet 2 at a reasonable price. It will of course depend on how many interested parties the are for the ac. Given there are a lot of MAX and NEOs on order there will be a lot of NGs around on the second hand market. They should be able to pick up a few at a decent price.