Jet2’s chief executive has admitted “never say never” when asked if the company might consider flying to the Caribbean.
Speaking at the tour operator’s annual 2021 conference, Steve Heapy said there were no plans for long haul flights “at the moment”.
He was asked if the company would consider potential opportunities as a result of Thomas Cook coming out of the market following its demise in 2019.
He conceded: “One day, maybe, if we get the support. Never say never. It may be a good time for us to do that.”
The company recently placed an order for up to 75 new, ‘greener’ Airbus aircraft, which Heapy said would be “a real game changer”.
But he stressed these were narrow-bodied aircraft which were not suitable for longer flight routes.
“We don’t have aircraft to do that (fly to the Caribbean) at the moment,” he said, adding that expanding to offer flights to the Caribbean would be “a big venture”.
The new aircraft carry 232 passengers and have a lower seat rate which will be passed on to customers, he added.
The total Jet2 fleet size is expected to be 104 in 2022. The company is likely to look at a further aircraft order in two years’ time, said Heapy.
More: Jet2 brings back Christmas market programme
Aviation needs ‘huge amounts’ of government money to hit net zero targets, says Jet2 boss