How a freight operator transformed into the United Kingdom's largest tour operator

Cultures · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Starting as a modest freight carrier in 1983, Jet2.com evolved into a leisure aviation giant. By pivoting to passenger travel in 2003 and aggressively expanding its UK base network, the airline surpassed industry titans to become the UK's largest tour operator, fundamentally reshaping how British holidaymakers reach European sun destinations.

Originally established as Channel Express, the company began as a freight operator under the leadership of Philip Meeson. The transition to a leisure-focused airline occurred in 2003 with the launch of the Jet2.com brand at Leeds Bradford Airport. This strategic shift saw the company move from cargo to passenger travel, utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft to serve European city break destinations. The airline grew rapidly, opening a series of regional bases across the UK, including Manchester, Newcastle, and eventually London Stansted, which became one of its largest hubs.

The company's growth trajectory was marked by significant fleet modernization and diversification. While traditionally an all-Boeing operator, Jet2 made a major strategic shift in 2021 by placing its first direct order for Airbus A321neo aircraft. By July 2024, this order had expanded to 146 aircraft, signaling a transition away from older Boeing 737-300 and 757-200 models. Notably, in January 2025, Jet2 retired its final Boeing 757 passenger aircraft, marking the end of an era as the last UK airline to operate that specific variant.

Beyond aviation, the company’s success is tied to its integration with Jet2holidays, launched in 2007. By 2023, this division became the UK’s largest tour operator, with an ATOL licence capacity for 5.8 million passengers, overtaking TUI. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced temporary suspensions and fleet adjustments, the group has continued to expand, recently announcing its thirteenth UK base at London Luton Airport. Today, the airline serves 70 destinations, maintaining a focus on the Mediterranean, Spain, and Turkey, while its corporate structure remains anchored in Leeds under the parent group, Jet2 plc.

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