Jet2, one of the UK’s leading leisure airlines, has announced its latest strategic expansion with the establishment of a new base at Bournemouth Airport. Operations are set to commence from 1 April 2025, marking a significant addition to Jet2’s growing UK network. This move comes as part of the airline’s efforts to increase connectivity, cater to leisure travellers, and further solidify its market presence in the UK aviation sector.
This comprehensive overview examines the key details of the Bournemouth base, the operational plans, routes offered, fleet deployment, and its broader significance for both the airline and the region.
Bournemouth Base: Key Details
Jet2’s new base at Bournemouth Airport will launch with:
• Two Boeing 737-800 aircraft stationed at the airport.
• A schedule of 16 routes to popular European holiday destinations.
• Up to 28 weekly flights, providing significant capacity for leisure travellers during the peak summer season.
The decision to open a base at Bournemouth Airport aligns with Jet2’s continued strategy of expanding to regional UK airports, offering convenience to passengers who prefer to avoid larger, more congested hubs such as Gatwick or Heathrow.
Jet2’s Network Expansion at Bournemouth
The Bournemouth base will feature 16 routes, serving popular holiday destinations across Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey. These routes are carefully chosen to align with demand for leisure travel, particularly during the summer months.
Key routes and frequencies include:
1. Tenerife South (Spain) – 3 weekly flights
2. Alicante (Spain) – 3 weekly flights
3. Faro (Portugal) – 2 weekly flights
4. Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – 4 weekly flights
5. Lanzarote (Spain) – 2 weekly flights
6. Malaga (Spain) – 3 weekly flights
7. Ibiza (Spain) – 2 weekly flights
8. Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) – Weekly flights
9. Rhodes (Greece) – Weekly flights
10. Heraklion (Crete, Greece) – Weekly flights
11. Antalya (Turkey) – 2 weekly flights
12. Dalaman (Turkey) – 2 weekly flights
13. Paphos (Cyprus) – Weekly flights
14. Corfu (Greece) – Weekly flights
15. Kos (Greece) – Weekly flights
16. Zante (Greece) – Weekly flights
The inaugural flight is scheduled for 1 April 2025, departing to Tenerife South, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Jet2’s portfolio.
Boeing 737-800: Fleet and Operational Details
Jet2 will deploy two Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Bournemouth Airport. These aircraft are key to Jet2’s operations, known for their reliability, efficiency, and suitability for short to medium-haul routes.
Key specifications of the Boeing 737-800 include:
• Seating Capacity: 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.
• Range: Up to 2,935 nautical miles (5,436 kilometres), enabling seamless operations to destinations across Europe and parts of North Africa.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 737-800 features a lower fuel burn per seat compared to earlier models, allowing for cost-effective and environmentally efficient operations.
Jet2’s decision to deploy the 737-800 ensures that the Bournemouth base can operate efficiently while meeting passenger demand for affordable and comfortable travel.
Economic and Regional Impact
The establishment of Jet2’s Bournemouth base is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region, including:
1. Job Creation: The base will create over 120 new jobs, covering roles such as pilots, cabin crew, ground handling staff, and administrative support. This boost to employment will have a positive ripple effect across the local economy.
2. Tourism Boost: Increased connectivity to holiday destinations will attract travellers from the surrounding areas of Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, enhancing the economic prospects for Bournemouth Airport and local businesses.
3. Improved Accessibility: Passengers in southern England will benefit from greater convenience, avoiding travel to larger airports while still accessing popular European destinations.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, highlighted the importance of the expansion:
“The opening of our Bournemouth base reflects our commitment to offering UK customers more choice, convenience, and great value. We are excited to invest in Bournemouth Airport and provide our award-winning service to customers in the region.”
Jet2’s Strategy: Regional Airport Focus
Jet2 has consistently pursued a strategy of expanding into regional UK airports, including recent moves into Liverpool and Bristol. This approach allows the airline to tap into markets underserved by larger carriers while offering passengers the convenience of flying locally.
The Bournemouth base complements Jet2’s existing network and enables the airline to:
• Enhance accessibility for customers in southern England.
• Strengthen its position as a leading provider of package holidays through Jet2holidays.
• Compete effectively with rivals such as Ryanair, TUI Airways, and easyJet, particularly on routes to Spain and Greece.
Competitor Landscape at Bournemouth
Bournemouth Airport is primarily served by Ryanair, which operates a limited number of routes to destinations such as Alicante and Malaga. Jet2’s entry into the market introduces greater competition and offers passengers additional options, particularly to unserved destinations like Funchal (Madeira).
Jet2’s combination of low-cost fares and full-service offerings, such as generous baggage allowances, allocated seating, and in-flight service, positions it to attract a broad range of travellers.
Future Outlook
The Bournemouth base is part of Jet2’s broader growth strategy, which focuses on fleet modernisation, operational expansion, and environmental sustainability.
Key elements of Jet2’s future plans include:
• Fleet Modernisation: Jet2 has placed significant orders for Airbus A321neo aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
• Route Expansion: The airline will continue to identify underserved markets and expand its network to meet growing demand for leisure travel.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Jet2 remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint, implementing fuel-efficient technologies, and supporting industry-wide efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Conclusion
Jet2’s decision to establish a new base at Bournemouth Airport marks a significant milestone in its UK expansion strategy. By deploying two Boeing 737-800 aircraft and launching 16 routes to popular holiday destinations, Jet2 is set to enhance regional connectivity, boost local economic growth, and provide travellers with greater convenience and choice.
This move underscores Jet2’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality leisure travel while positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive UK aviation market.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and facts known at the time of writing. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not imply any affiliation with Jet2 or Bournemouth Airport.
