Jet2, the airline renowned for its low-cost flights and package holidays, has announced a move into the VIP charter market with a specially configured aircraft that offers significantly fewer seats. The bespoke Boeing 737-800NG will feature just 76 seats instead of the standard 189, providing passengers with increased legroom and an enhanced onboard experience akin to a business class layout.
Premium Charter Experience from November
The new service, available from November, is exclusively for charter customers and not for those on scheduled holiday flights. Trevor Caplis, head of charter and airline sales at Jet2, stated: “We expect it to be popular with our sports, music, entertainment and specialist group customers. As a result of this brand-new product, our charter customers can now enjoy all the usual operational and cost-effective benefits of Jet2, but with the added benefit of a premium charter product too.”
Enhanced Comfort and Catering
Each seat will provide a minimum of 43 inches of legroom, superior comfort levels, and upgraded catering that can be tailored to customer preferences. This marks the first time Jet2 has offered such a layout. In a statement, the airline explained: “Jet2 has launched this brand-new charter product in response to demand from its growing customer base, particularly clients requiring privacy, comfort, flexibility and an elevated travel experience.”
Industry Trends: Budget Airlines Innovating
Last year, budget carrier Wizz Air introduced a 'budget business class' service called Wizz Class. This premium add-on is available during booking and limited to front-row seats, with only four per flight. It includes an empty middle seat, a complimentary snack and drink, and priority boarding with a 10kg trolley bag. The service is currently offered on selected routes from Budapest, Bucharest Otopeni, London-Luton, London-Gatwick, Rome Fiumicino, and Warsaw.
Other recent airline innovations include economy-class bunk beds on ultra-long haul flights. Air New Zealand now allows passengers on its 18-hour New York to Auckland route to book a four-hour slot in a specially designed sleep pod named 'Skynest'. These pods feature a curtain for privacy, fresh linens, an amenity kit with eye mask and earplugs, a seatbelt for turbulence, and amenities like lights and USB ports.
