A new UK low-cost carrier has been formed by the parent of charter airline Channel Express which is to launch services from Leeds-Bradford Airport next February.
Jet 2 has been set up by aviation services group Dart and will operate four Boeing 737-300s to yet to be disclosed points in Europe, which are expected to include destinations in France, Germany and Spain. The company estimates the catchment area of Leeds-Bradford is around 10 million people.
Channel Express already operates six 737-300s, including two quick-change variants, to offer charters from Edinburgh and London Stansted airports. Initially two of these aircraft, crewed by Channel Express pilots, will be based at the airport and Jet 2 chief executive Philip Meeson says that he expects to acquire replacements. The fleet will rise to four by the second half of next year.
Meanwhile, EasyJet is to base two aircraft at Newcastle Airport, expanding its routes to four from next March. The airline offers a service to London Stansted operated by recently acquired Go.
The move follows speculation that various low-cost operators were interested in setting up a hub at the airport (Flight International, 20-26 August).
Source: Flight International
