The Boeing 737-300 was one of the earliest aircraft types operated by Jet2.com, contributing significantly to the airline’s growth during the early 2000s. Jet2 inherited these aircraft as part of its transition from cargo services under Channel Express to a low-cost passenger carrier, which began in 2003. Throughout their operational history, the Boeing 737-300s flew a wide range of short-to-medium haul routes across Europe. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the history, registration details, seating configurations, and technical specifics of the Boeing 737-300s used by Jet2.
Jet2’s 737-300s were crucial to the airline’s operational expansion, but as they aged and newer, more fuel-efficient models like the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321neo became available, the airline gradually retired them. The 737-300s were phased out between 2016 and 2020, with some aircraft sold to other airlines and cargo operators, while others were scrapped.
Fleet and Registration Details
Below is a detailed account of each Boeing 737-300 aircraft that served Jet2, including their registration numbers, acquisition history, configuration details, and final disposition.
1. G-CELH (MSN 23524, LN 1310)
• Built: 1987
• Previous Operators: Air New Zealand, Channel Express
• Delivered to Jet2: March 2005
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 seats in a single-class economy configuration.
• Pitch: 31 inches
• Row Layout: 3-3 across all rows
• Overhead Storage: Standard, non-enhanced Boeing storage bins.
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3B1, offering 20,000 lbs of thrust.
• MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight): 56,000 kg
• Range: 4,100 km, limited due to the smaller fuel tanks compared to later models like the 737-800.
• Fate: Retired and scrapped in 2016 due to age and rising maintenance costs.
2. G-CELI (MSN 23525, LN 1314)
• Built: 1987
• Previous Operators: Air New Zealand, Channel Express
• Delivered to Jet2: March 2005
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 seats
• Additional Features: Extra-legroom seats located in rows 12-14 (exit rows).
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3C1 engines, more fuel-efficient than earlier variants.
• Modifications: The aircraft underwent modifications to extend its operational lifespan, including avionics upgrades and replacement of hydraulic systems for improved reliability on short-haul routes.
• Fate: Retired in 2017, sold to a West African cargo operator.
3. G-CELA (MSN 23518, LN 1306)
• Built: 1987
• Previous Operators: United Airlines
• Delivered to Jet2: March 2004
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 all-economy, with seats configured for maximum capacity while maintaining Jet2’s standard 31-inch pitch.
• Seats: Standard slimline seats for reduced weight and increased passenger capacity.
• Engineering Features:
• MTOW: 58,000 kg after modifications to structural reinforcements.
• Engine Model: CFM56-3B1 engines with a noise reduction system fitted in compliance with European noise abatement regulations.
• Fate: Scrapped in 2017 after being stored for a year, following the delivery of newer 737-800s to Jet2’s fleet.
4. G-CELK (MSN 24274, LN 1622)
• Built: 1989
• Previous Operators: Sabena, Sobelair
• Delivered to Jet2: April 2006
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 passengers
• Cabin Modifications: Fitted with lightweight composite materials in the cabin to reduce aircraft weight.
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3C1 engines, allowing for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to earlier versions of the 737-300.
• Landing Gear: Reinforced landing gear to handle heavier loads during peak summer seasons when passenger and baggage loads were higher.
• Fate: Retired in 2018, sold to an Eastern European charter operator.
5. G-CELY (MSN 23659, LN 1422)
• Built: 1987
• Previous Operators: Canadian Airlines, Air Canada
• Delivered to Jet2: May 2006
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 economy seats in Jet2’s standard configuration.
• Quick Change (QC) Capability: This aircraft had a Quick Change (QC) configuration, which allowed Jet2 to convert it from a passenger aircraft to a cargo carrier in less than an hour.
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3C1 engines.
• Operational Flexibility: Its QC configuration made it a highly flexible aircraft for Jet2’s mixed cargo and passenger operations.
• Fate: Sold to a Middle Eastern cargo operator in 2019 after the decline in demand for older 737-300 models.
6. G-GDFE (MSN 27283, LN 2796)
• Built: 1996
• Previous Operators: Turkish Airlines, Air Algérie
• Delivered to Jet2: July 2012
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 seats in an all-economy configuration, fitted with newer slimline seating for better passenger comfort and reduced weight.
• Galley Modifications: Reduced galley size to add more seating space.
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3B2 engines.
• MTOW: 61,000 kg after airframe reinforcements.
• Fuel Consumption: Approximately 2.8 liters per 100 km per passenger, relatively efficient for the 737-300 class.
• Fate: Retired in 2020 and stored in Kemble, later scrapped due to the aircraft’s age and declining parts availability.
7. G-CELV (MSN 23529, LN 1319)
• Built: 1987
• Previous Operators: British Midland Airways, Channel Express
• Delivered to Jet2: November 2005
• Configuration:
• Seating: 148 economy, with emergency exits at rows 12 and 14.
• In-Cabin Systems: Updated inflight intercom system installed in 2015 to meet newer European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.
• Engineering Features:
• Engines: CFM56-3C1.
• Structural Integrity: The aircraft underwent major checks in 2013 to extend its service life, including wing spars and fuselage strengthening.
• Fate: Retired and sold to a cargo operator in West Africa in 2018.
Configuration Overview: Cabin and Engineering Details
Jet2’s Boeing 737-300 fleet was primarily configured for economy seating with a capacity of 148 passengers, optimized for short-haul European routes. Key features included:
• Seat Pitch: Standard pitch of 31 inches, allowing a balance between passenger comfort and high capacity.
• In-Cabin Materials: Lighter materials were introduced in the early 2010s to reduce overall aircraft weight, thus improving fuel efficiency.
• Quick Change Configurations: Some 737-300s, such as G-CELY, were fitted with a Quick Change (QC) system, allowing them to transition between passenger and cargo configurations in under an hour.
Engineering Insights
The Boeing 737-300s that Jet2 operated were equipped with CFM56-3 series engines, renowned for their durability and ease of maintenance. However, these engines were less fuel-efficient than those found on newer aircraft like the CFM56-7B engines used on the Boeing 737-800.
• Modifications for Compliance: Several of the 737-300s underwent structural and avionics modifications to comply with evolving EU aviation regulations, particularly in areas such as noise reduction and engine emissions.
• MTOW Upgrades: Many aircraft received MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) upgrades to allow for greater fuel loads and longer operational ranges, though they remained primarily suited for short-haul routes due to their design limitations.
Final Fleet Disposition
As of 2024, some of Jet2’s Boeing 737-300 aircraft remain in service, primarily used during peak seasons for short-haul routes across Europe. These aircraft continue to operate alongside Jet2’s newer models, although their roles are gradually being reduced as more Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A321neos enter the fleet. The remaining 737-300s are scheduled to be phased out in the coming years as part of Jet2’s ongoing fleet modernisation program. Some aircraft that were retired have been sold to cargo operators or smaller carriers in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia, while others have been scrapped.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the data and research conducted to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about Jet2.com’s Boeing 737-300 fleet. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details provided, some information may be subject to changes or updates. Aircraft histories, especially for older models, can sometimes be incomplete or vary depending on sources. If any information is found to be incorrect or out of date, we apologize for the oversight.
This article serves as an informative resource based on available data and research. For any corrections or updates, please contact us.
