22 May 2008
The first ever low-cost scheduled service between Jersey and Leeds will begin on Saturday 24 May 2008 when award-winning airline Jet2.com begins thrice weekly flights. The new service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using a 737 aircraft with the capacity to carry 148 passengers. The service will run throughout the summer until the end of October. However, if demand remains high, the airline is keen to introduce a year-round service.
Jet2.com is the North of England’s biggest low cost airline and the new route will grant Islanders unparalleled access to Yorkshire and the important business region of Leeds. Situated just 25 minutes away from the centre of Leeds, the gateway also offers easy access to other key cities in the North of England, including Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and Manchester.
Jet2.com has been flying commercial aircraft for nearly 30 years. For the first 20 years it operated under the name Channel Express (Air Services). It has its roots firmly in the Channel Islands, having begun by flying flowers and fresh produce to the UK as well as delivering the Island’s post and newspapers.
The Chief Executive of Jet2.com, Philip Meeson, said, “We are thrilled to recognise our company’s history by launching this direct service between Jersey and the beautiful dynamic county of Yorkshire and we have already seen a high demand for flights. The launch of this service continues our route expansion and offers both leisure and business travellers from Jersey a low cost, efficient and award-winning service”.
The arrival of Jet2.com into Jersey has been welcomed by the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean, who has specific responsibility for Jersey Airport. He said, “Leeds is a bustling city with a growing economy. It is also one of the most important financial sectors outside London and we look forward to building business links between Jersey and this region”.
The airline will be officially welcomed to the Island next Tuesday 27 May at a reception attended by Jet2.com’s Managing Director, Ian Doubtfire and hosted by the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean. The event will also be attended by both business and tourism industry guests as well as the airline’s Inbound Sales & Marketing Manager, Rachel Farr. Following the reception, arriving passengers on the Leeds flight will be officially met off the aircraft by the Assistant Minister and Jet2 delegation and will receive a welcome pack and gift, kindly supplied by local attractions.
One way fares from Jersey start from as little as £22.99 (including taxes) and can be booked online at www.jet2.com or via the call centre on 0871 226 1737
gov.je