After several WordPress users commented on our earlier report requesting information, I thought it would be best to summarise all the facts about Jet2’s A330 operations in the coming months.
On the 18th of May, Airbus A330-243 G-VYGL (MSN 1555) arrived at Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC) in Jet2 colours to mark the start of a five month lease from AirTanker. The 327 seat airliner will allow Jet2 to add extra seats and capacity during the Summer 2017 season, in order to support their biggest ever Summer holidays and flights programme.
The aircraft Jet2 is leasing has a rather interesting history. After construction in Toulouse as an Airbus KC2 Voyager (A330-243MRTT), she was registered EC-336 with Airbus Military. Next she was handed to AirTanker and operated for the Royal Air Force, first as G-VYGL and then as ZZ341. She was then handed back to AirTanker as G-VYGL, before being leased to Jet2.
Jet2 operated their first scheduled flight with the A330 to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. The airline plans to fly the aircraft to their most popular destinations from Manchester, namely Majorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Rhodes.
Jet2 have configured the aircraft in a 2-4-2 all economy layout featuring stylish Acro seats, which are installed on all other Jet2 aircraft. The back of the seats feature a tray table and pockets for stowage safety cards, onboard magazines and personal items.
Commenting on the seating, the airline said:
“The seating is configured differently to other aircraft in our fleet, with customers able to enjoy a spacious widebody cabin in addition to our award-winning customer service and friendly flight times.”
Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy also commented on the lease:
“Summer 2017 is shaping up to be our biggest ever from Manchester Airport so the addition of this widebody Airbus A330 will help us add more capacity to our best-selling destinations.
As well as providing holidaymakers with more choice, the aircraft means that our formula of friendly flights, fantastic customer service and great comfort will be complemented even further with the addition of a spacious widebody cabin.”
The Airbus A330 will operate Jet2 flights until the end of October. The airline has hinted at leasing an A330 for Summer 2018, when they will operate to 43 routes from Manchester, including new routes to Verona and Bergerac.
So, as I bring this article to a close, I hope I have answered all of your burning questions. Do not hesitate to comment if you would like any other information!
The World of Aviation 