12 September 2007
Award winning low-cost airline Jet2.com will operate a direct service between Jersey and Leeds Bradford Airport from next year. The scheduled summer service will commence on Saturday 24 May 2008 and will operate until October. However, if there is a high demand, the airline is keen to introduce a year-round service. Jet2.com will operate a 737 aircraft with a capacity to carry 148 passengers and will offer one flight a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Jet2.com’s announcement comes in light of the marketing activity being undertaken by Jersey Airport, which encourages existing and potential operators to propose viable new routes into Jersey. Following agreement reached during discussions between airport authorities and representatives from the new carrier, which began at the annual Routes Conference in September 2006, the service will provide a significant boost for both the tourism industry and business community.
Leeds Bradford Airport is just 20 miles from the centre of Leeds and offers easy access to other key cities in the North of England, including Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and Manchester.
Leeds is a bustling city with a growing economy and is one of the most important financial sectors outside London with over 30 national and international banks.
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan MacLean, who has specific responsibility for the airport, welcomes the announcement and says. “This is a great result for Jersey having secured an agreement with this well-known low cost airline. The marketing strategy is now reaping the benefits and we look forward to announcing similar agreements in the future”
Jet2.com is a subsidiary of Dart Group plc, which has more than 25 years commercial aviation experience. Jet2 has only been flying low-cost operations since February 2003 and currently serves more than 28 European destinations from its northern UK bases at Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Belfast, Blackpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Philip Meeson, Chief Executive of Jet2.com says, “We are thrilled to launch our direct service between Jersey and the beautiful, dynamic county of Yorkshire and we anticipate a very high demand for seats. We have chosen Jersey as it offers excellent business links between two key financial centres as well as opportunities for both outbound and inbound leisure passengers. Jersey is a perfect location for a short break for the people of Yorkshire with its superb beaches, excellent restaurants and varied activities on offer. Likewise, Yorkshire can offer the beautiful cities of York and Harrogate, national parks and dynamic progressive cities. Today’s launch continues our route expansion and offers both leisure and business travellers a low cost, efficient and award winning service”
Seats are on sale from today, Wednesday 12 September and fares will start from as little as £28.99 one way, including all taxes. Reservations can be made online at www.jet2.com or via the call centre on 0871 226 1737.
Deputy MacLean concludes, “Looking at the increasing arrival figures from regional airports it is clear there are real opportunities for Tourism in these areas and I am sure this link will be successful and warmly welcomed by both visitors and locals alike. Economic Development will now be working with the airline to optimise opportunities available to the Island as a result of this new service”.
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