Following overwhelming demand, leading friendly
low fare airline, Jet2.com,has increased its dedicated service
for pilgrims taking part in this year’s annual Hajj, with the announcement of
specialist departures from Leeds Bradford, Manchester and East
Midlands airports from 1st November 2010 – available to book today.
The flights represent a significant increase in
dedicated departures from the Midlands and North of England to the Hajj, and
are the only direct services available from Leeds Bradford and East
Midlands.
Working in partnership with travel agents Sky-Fly
Connections Ltd in Bradford and PAK Travels Ltd in Birmingham,
the specialist Jet2.com programme is set to carry over 2,000
passengers to Jeddah in Saudi
Arabia to take part in the annual Hajj, the
world’s largest annual pilgrimage.
This year, the Hajj takes place from 14th
to 17th November 2010 and is a demonstration of solidarity amongst
the Muslim people in their submission to Allah and sees thousands of
pilgrims converge on Mecca
to perform a series of prayer rituals. The pilgrimage is regarded as hugely
important and every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is required to
make the journey at least once in their lifetime.
Jet2.com will be operating a total of 10 return trips - four from Leeds
Bradford, four from Manchester
and two from East Midlands,representing
a 300% increase on last year’s hugely successful service, which saw
three flights leave from Leeds.
Furthermore, Jet2.com will respect
Muslim tradition by ensuring that all catering adheres to Halal methods, there
is no alcohol served and aircraft crew are sensitive to the practice of prayer
whilst in flight. Prayer facilities will also be available in the airport
terminal prior to departure. Jet2.com will also be increasing
it’s already generous baggage allowance of 22kg for pilgrims to bring back the
important Zam Zam holy water.
Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com commented:
“Our specialist Hajj flights were extremely popular last year and it is
fantastic that we are able to offer an increased service from even more of our
airport bases for 2010. We are very keen to listen to the needs of our
customers and it is obvious that there is huge demand amongst the Muslim
community for dedicated flights to Jeddah during November. Working closely with
Sky-Fly Connections and PAK Travels, we are proud of our Hajj offering and are
confident that the route will continue to build on the success of last year’s
operation.”
Shahid
Bhatti from Sky-Fly Connections Ltd said:
“It is a pleasure to see that Jet2.com
has not only maintained its connection with the Hajj market but in fact have
increased the capacity three-fold! Just as last year, this years flights will
have specially trained crew, 100% halal meals and an incredible baggage
allowance.
“Sky Fly Connections Ltd is proud to be
at the helm of this fantastic revolution that is offering the complete
'Hajj Experience' in the Midlands and the North of England.”
Imran Waris, Director, PAK
Travels Ltd added:“Having been in this business for in excess of 40
years and being one of the pioneers of Hajj and Umrah traffic, PAK Travels Ltd
are delighted to be working closely with Jet2.com
on this exciting Hajj venture; particularly the inaugural direct flights from
East Midlands Airport.
“We look forward to
offering a truly professional and very valuable service to the Muslim community
in the Midlands and throughout the UK.”
Hajj
flights with Jet2.com are being sold directly through Sky-Fly Connections for
the Leeds Bradford and Manchester departures and Pak Travels for the East
Midlands departures.