Jet2.com and Jet2holidays spreads its wings in Birmingham after flying start
Budget airline Jet2 has barely touched down at Birmingham Airport before announcing a massive expansion of its summer flights and holidays programme for next year.
It will be launching 13 new destinations and will base two new aircraft at the airport as it plans to fly up to 900,000 people to Europe and the Mediterranean next summer.
Jet2 says the 200 flights a week next year will mean a 53 per cent increase in its capacity compared to this summer – its first operating from Birmingham.
The Jet2.com and Jet2holidays 2018 expansion comes just weeks after the first flights and holidays launched from Birmingham, adding over 300,000 extra seats as it expands to 28 destinations.
The new destinations out of Birmingham Airport include Halkidiki in Greece, Antalya on the Turkish coast, Costa de Almeria, Kos, Krakow, Larnaca in Cyprus, Madeira, Malta, Naples, Prague, Rome, Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the island of Zante.
Jet2 is also planning to boost capacity on its flights to Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Reus, Majorca and Menorca.
To cater for the growth, it will be basing two extra Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Birmingham.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Our award-winning flights and holidays have arrived in style at Birmingham Airport with people across the region welcoming our offer of real package holidays and family friendly flights.
"On the back of this, we are delighted to be announcing a hugely expanded summer 18 programme, giving holidaymakers across the region access to a fantastic choice of sun and city destinations, and even an exclusive route to Halkidiki.
"Such success in a brand new base shows that our formula is the right one with customers, so as well as looking forward to our first summer at Birmingham Airport this year, we are already making big plans for Summer 18.”
William Pearson, Birmingham Airport’s aviation director, said: "Just a few weeks after launching, the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays brand has announced a massive growth programme from Birmingham in summer 2018 and we are delighted to see this positive move that shows confidence in our region and the airport.
"We look forward to welcoming people who will be able to travel with the airline and tour operator to 28 destinations next summer from Birmingham.”
