Article
Major Growth for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays in Belfast
Published: Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 14:55
Updated: Fri 25 Jul 2014 at 15:08
- Biggest ever flying programme announced – more than 250,000 seats for next summer
-FOUR new routes introduced with flights on sale today from £38 and holidays available from £219
- Additional aircraft and 86 new jobs created
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have today announced significant expansion plans at Belfast International Airport, including new routes, an additional aircraft plus even more seats for summer 2015.
On sale today are FOUR fantastic new destinations for local passengers; two great city break spots Prague and Rome – the only direct services available from Northern Ireland – plus sizzling sunshine hotspots Gran Canaria and Zante.
The introduction of these routes, along with the addition of a third dedicated aircraft, will see Jet2.com operate its biggest ever flying programme from Belfast International Airport next year:
- Over 250,000 seats will be available for local passengers.
- More than 70 services a week will operate to 16 in demand sun and city destinations.
- Plus increased frequency of flights to the popular destination of Malaga.
Jet2holidays is also celebrating an increase in customer numbers, with bookings up a massive 50 per cent year on year. As a result of this continued expansion by both businesses, 86 new jobs will be created at the airport. Roles available will include flight and cabin crew, engineers and ground operations staff.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “In our tenth year of flying from Belfast International Airport we are thrilled to be announcing major growth plans for summer 2015.
“Since our first flight took off we’ve not only increased capacity but we have also grown our destinations from two to 16. Our city break offering continues to expand with the introduction of Prague and Rome, plus the addition of Gran Canaria means holidaymakers now have a trio of Canary Island gems to choose from. What’s more we have introduced our first Greek hotspot – the stunning Island of Zante!
“These developments really demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing our loyal local customers with unrivalled choice and flexibility when it comes to planning their next well earned break. With our fantastic range of destinations, coupled with great flight times and award winning customer service, we are confident we have the right mix to cement our position as one of the leading leisure operators at Belfast International Airport.”
Welcoming the expansion Jonathan Bell MLA said: “The investment of an additional aircraft is great news for Northern Ireland as it not only creates new jobs but it also enhances the region’s accessibility. Northern Ireland’s airports are gateways for tourism and business activity and air travel plays a central role in economic development. These new jobs will contribute £2.2 million annually in salaries.”
He continued: “Invest NI and the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster have worked hard over recent months to demonstrate to Jet2.com that Northern Ireland is the optimum base for the company’s support and service roles, and ensure that the company goes ahead with its option to expand its operations at Belfast International Airport.”
Uel Hoey, business development director at Belfast International Airport, added: “This very welcome announcement is the best way for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays to celebrate 10 years of flying from Belfast International Airport. This major expansion reinforces the airline’s belief in Northern Ireland.”
