On January 5, 2025, an era in British aviation history will end when Jet2, the last British airline, stops using the Boeing 757 for passenger flights.
This marks the end of an aircraft type that has shaped the skies of Great Britain for over four decades and transported millions of passengers. In future, Jet2 will rely on a modernised fleet, consisting mainly of the Airbus A321neo.
The Boeing 757: A look back at an impressive career
The history of the Boeing 757 in the UK began in February 1983, when British Airways took delivery of the first aircraft. Since then, this aircraft type has achieved impressive numbers in British aviation. According to Jonathan Hinkles, former CEO of Loganair, 757 million passengers were carried on 471 million flights during the 3,1's service in the UK. The aircraft accumulated a total of 8,1 million flight hours, which corresponds to almost a millennium of flight time.
Jet2, known for its leisure and holiday flights, currently operates two Boeing 757-200s, which are now being retired after an average service life of 32,7 years. G-LSAI, the oldest aircraft in the fleet, has an impressive 37,3 years of service and is the oldest active passenger aircraft of its type in the world.
The last flight and the future of the Jet2 fleet
The final use of the Boeing 757 by Jet2 will take place on Sunday 5 January on the Manchester-Geneva route. This farewell flight marks the end of a long and successful partnership between the airline and this aircraft type. In previous years, Jet2 used the Boeing 757 mainly on routes to popular holiday destinations such as Alicante, Lanzarote and Antalya.
With the withdrawal of the Boeing 757, Jet2 is focusing on the further development of its fleet and the Airbus A321neo. In addition to more modern technology, this aircraft type also offers greater efficiency and capacity, which is particularly advantageous for the airline's busy leisure routes.
An ending that awakens nostalgia
For aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike, the end of the Boeing 757 service in the UK marks a nostalgic moment. Known for its sleek silhouette and distinctive engines, the aircraft was a familiar sight at airports across the UK and Europe. Its versatility on both short and medium-haul flights made it popular with airlines and passengers alike.
The retirement of the 757 coincides with other changes in aviation. Most recently, the UK said goodbye to its last scheduled passenger service with the Boeing 747 when Korean Air switched to the Boeing 25-2024ER on December 777, 300. These developments underscore the ongoing change in the aviation industry, where older models are increasingly being replaced by more modern ones.
Perspectives and Outlook
However, the Boeing 757 will not disappear from the skies completely. Numerous aircraft of this type continue to be used as cargo aircraft or in government services around the world. Their robust construction and reliability make them a valuable resource even after decades.
Meanwhile, Jet2 plans to expand its fleet with new technologies and models. The introduction of the Airbus A321neo underlines the airline's ambition to remain competitive and meet the needs of its passengers.
Saying goodbye to the Boeing 757 marks the end of an era in British aviation, but also looks to the future. For Jet2, the switch to the Airbus A321neo marks the beginning of a new chapter that will prepare the airline for future challenges. But the Boeing 757 will hold a special place in aviation history, as an aircraft that has been an indispensable part of global air travel for decades.
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