Jet2 to Wet-Lease Aircraft Amid Airbus Delays
Jet2 (United Kingdom) is preparing to wet-lease additional capacity for the upcoming IATA northern summer season following unexpected production delays at Airbus. This move comes as the airline faces a gap in its fleet due to delayed deliveries of new aircraft, which are critical for its peak summer flying programme.
In a recent trading update posted on the London Stock Exchange on February 19, parent holding Jet2 plc revealed that the carrier was expected to take delivery of 14 new owned and leased A321-200NX aircraft by the end of Summer 2025. These aircraft will boost its A321neo fleet to a total of 23 units. However, Jet2 has warned investors that due to the production delays, several of these aircraft will not arrive on the originally agreed delivery dates. Consequently, the airline anticipates incurring additional operational costs as it seeks to cover the shortfall in capacity during the busy summer season.
The airline did not provide further details on which operators it plans to wet-lease capacity from or the specific types of aircraft it is targeting. In the past, Jet2 has successfully wet-leased aircraft from well-known carriers, including Croatia’s ETF Airways, Slovakia’s AirExplore, and the UK’s Titan Airways. This track record suggests that the carrier has established reliable relationships that it can tap into during periods of fleet shortage.
Jet2 initially placed an order for 36 A321neo aircraft in August 2021, with options for an additional 24. Over time, the airline has gradually increased its commitment to the A321neo program. As of now, Jet2 has 134 unfilled orders directly with Airbus for A321neo aircraft, underscoring its long-term strategy to replace its aging Boeing fleet. These new aircraft are intended to supplant the carrier’s current fleet of Boeing 737-300s and 737-800s, aligning with a broader industry trend towards more fuel-efficient, modern aircraft that can reduce operating costs and enhance passenger comfort.
According to ch-aviation’s fleets module, Jet2’s current fleet totals 118 aircraft. This includes three A321-200s and fourteen A321-200NXs, as well as one A330-200 wet-leased from AirTanker. Additionally, the airline operates seven Boeing 737-300s and ninety-three Boeing 737-800s, with one Boeing 737-800 still pending delivery. Jet2 was also the last UK-based operator of passenger-configured Boeing 757-200s, although its final three units were placed into long-term storage in January 2025.
The anticipated wet-lease arrangement is a strategic response to the current supply challenges faced by Airbus. By leasing additional capacity, Jet2 aims to maintain its scheduled services during the summer season and protect its market share despite delays in its new aircraft deliveries. This interim solution will help ensure that the airline meets growing passenger demand and avoids disruptions that could impact its reputation and revenue.
As the summer season approaches, industry analysts and investors will be closely monitoring Jet2’s operational performance. The carrier’s ability to seamlessly integrate wet-leased aircraft while managing higher operational costs will be key indicators of its resilience amid ongoing supply chain challenges in the aviation sector.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com