Summary
Visit most UK major and regional airports today and, chances are, you’ll see the familiar livery of Jet2 and Jet2holidays adorning aircraft at the gates or on the arrivals boards.
Today, this company is the UK’s largest tour operator, and one of the world’s largest low-cost and leisure airlines.
But believe it or not, despite only making its debut in this form in 2003, the airline can actually trace its heritage back 1971 when a small Channel Islands-based freight operator emerged.
The incredible story of this fascinating and resilient airline is now told in a new hardback book by author Nigel Richardson.
One of UK Aviation’s Biggest Success Stories
Jet2.com The Complete History is, as the name suggests, a fascinating and comprehensive telling of the story of this airline from its earliest incarnations to the present-day giant of holidays and leisure travel.
Nigel Richardson, who is a regular contributor to AirportSpotting.com, has split the story into five chapters, covering the major stages of the airline’s history and development.
This begins with Carpenter’s Air Services Ltd which began carrying flowers and other goods from Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1971 using Douglas DC-3 variants.
Paul Spijkers (GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html> or GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html>), via Wikimedia Commons
Later renamed Express Air Freight (CI) and Express Air Services, with a variety of aircraft types on charge until, in 1983 the company was sold and rebranded as Channel Express.
Incredibly this airline grew to operate Airbus A300 freighters and, crucially, second-hand Boeing 737-300s.
These particular examples were Quick Change variants that could carry both cargo and passengers which allowed the airline to maximise its usage by chartering the aircraft out to tour operators when they weren’t being used as freighters.
In 2002, with the rise of low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair firmly taking place, the airline’s owners saw an opportunity to create a new division which could capitalise on this. Branded Jet2.com, a base at Leeds Bradford Airport was chosen, and the rest is history.
About the Book
This book is packed full of photographs of Jet2, Channel Express and its earlier incarnations throughout its 55 year history. It’s a fascinating tale and an interesting book for those interested in airline history and the UK aviation industry.
If you’d like to purchase a copy of this book, it is available now from Key Publishing at this link, as well as other good retailers.
Want to Win a Copy?
Boeing 737-3U3, G-GDFO, of Jet2. (Nigel Richardson)
This month we’ll be giving away a copy of this new Jet2.com book to one of our AirportSpotting Premium Members.
Premium Membership is where spotters and enthusiasts level up their interest in aviation. Content includes a monthly magazine, guides like Last Chance to Fly, tips on spotting more rare and historic airliners, the Spotting Vault with tips on where to spot at 400+ airports, and much more.
One lucky member receives an aviation prize every month. If you want a chance to win a copy of Jet2, sign up before the end of the month!
