Heritage - Next came Boeing
The first two Boeing 737-300QC (Quick Change)
twin-engine jet aircraft were introduced to service in 2001. A variant
of the world’s most successful jetliner, the ‘QC’ aircraft was
specifically developed to enable Channel Express to
maintain the overnight freight and mail operations whilst allowing
daytime charter flights to be undertaken. Given that
the aircraft could operate in both freight and passenger configuration, Channel
Express became a passenger carrying airline for the first
time.
Since 2001, a further twenty-five Boeing 737-300s have
been introduced to the fleet, variously in standard passenger, VIP,
Quick Change versions plus freight only aircraft. Whilst not generally
understood, there are huge disciplines involved with moving cargo that
are extremely time sensitive, and this long established culture has
transferred to all of our passenger operations.
The growth of the Boeing 737-300 fleet to its current
size was accelerated by the acquisition of a number of aircraft that
had previously been operated by a carrier in Australia. Whilst some of
these aircraft were deployed into the existing Channel Express operation,
an opportunity was identified for the development of a much-needed
local carrier at Leeds/Bradford International Airport. Thus, Jet2.com was born.
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