Jet2 emphasises ‘real value’ as capacity outstrips industry growth

Jet2 has reported a 7.9% rise in bookings as capacity for this summer hit 20 million seats.

 

The number of seats on sale for summer 2026 is 8% higher year on year with 1.1 million more available with the introduction of flights from Gatwick from next month together with recently established bases at Luton and Bournemouth airports.

 

This is alongside growth at more established bases of 2% or 400,000. 

 

Overall bookings to date are up by 7.9% for the group’s next financial year ending in March 2027, the company reported in a trading update.

 

This includes “positive growth” at established bases and more than 260,000 passengers at Gatwick, with “healthy demand”. 

 

The package holidays mix of total bookings was described as being “broadly in line” with last year. 

 

The owner of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays projected an operating profit of £439 million for the current financial year ending on March 31, including £10 million in start-up costs for the Gatwick operation, its 14th UK base, which starts on March 26.

 

Current winter capacity of 5.5 million seats is 7.4% higher than winter 2024-25 with average pricing  following a similar trend to summer 2025, “with marketing spend being reinvested into pricing to continue to deliver value to our customers”.

 

The 8% rise in capacity for this summer  compares with total UK market growth to short and mid-haul beach destinations currently estimated at approximately 5.5%, according to the company.

 

“To ensure more holidaymakers can experience Jet2’s outstanding end-to-end customer service, we are investing in load factor and remain committed to pricing that is attractive and represents real value to our customers,” the group noted.

 

“These actions will ensure that Jet2 has the right foundations to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

 

The group’s fleet of new generation Airbus A321neos will rise to 31 this summer, supporting a total peak flying programme of 139 aircraft. 

 

“We remain pleased that the A321neo continues to demonstrate its strategic value in terms of lower unit costs averaging £10 per seat, reduced emissions and an enhanced customer experience,” the company said.

 

Jet2 also expects to benefit from favourable fuel prices with more than 75% of its annual requirements already hedged foer the next financial year.

 

Put together, these aviation benefits “partially offset” hotel accommodation inflation and increased Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon costs.

 

The group expects to provide a further update in April and publish results for the year to March on July 8, promising “a fuller outlook for the all-important summer 2026 trading period”.

 

Chief executive Steve Heapy said: "We are very pleased with how the 2026 financial year is concluding, and are excited about the commencement of operations at London Gatwick. 

 

“For summer 2026, we are satisfied with our bookings to date and remain committed to pricing that is attractive and represents real value to our customers.

 

“Our brand is synonymous with customer service and we believe that our award-winning customer first approach truly differentiates us from our competitors.

 

“We remain committed to delivering holiday experiences that our customers will both cherish and fondly remember, and will invest in our business to ensure we consistently meet their expectations."