Jet2 launches flights from Gatwick – but is it cheaper than its low cost rivals?

Passengers emerging from the railway station at Gatwick’s South Terminal could be forgiven for assuming, at first sight, that Jet2 is the dominant airline at the Sussex airport.

They come face to face with the check in area for UK’s biggest holiday company – which also operates as low-cost carrier.

From today, Jet2 will use Airbus A321neo aircraft to fly from Gatwick to all the key holiday airports in Spain (including the Balearics and Canary Islands), Faro in Portugal, Verona and Naples in Italy and 10 Greek destinations. The other targets are Antalya in Turkey, Paphos in Cyprus, Pula in Croatia, Burgas in Bulgaria and Malta.

But the prominent location and familiar red livery belies the fact that Jet2’s six planes operating Gatwick flights are vastly outnumbered by easyJet, which has a dozen times as many.

On many of these routes the newcomer also faces tough competition from Britain’s second-biggest holiday company, Tui, as well as three substantial airlines:

Yet Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, believes there is room for a newcomer: “Gatwick may be busy, but it also serves the largest catchment area in the UK. There are plenty of customers, and we believe they’ll be attracted to our product.

“We’ve got two full flights departing today – to Tenerife and Alicante. It’s great to be here launching our operation and welcoming customers, many of whom are flying with us for the first time and will experience our award-winning customer service.”

Jet2 is strong across the UK as a package holiday company. But in the Mediterranean flight-only market, passengers are famously fickle – often simply choosing the cheapest deal.

On test bookings made by The Independent for flights from Gatwick to six holiday destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece, easyJet was cheapest on three.

Jet2 and Ryanair had the lowest fares for one destination each, and to Zante in October Jet2 and easyJet tied for the lowest fares. However, Jet2 has a far more generous cabin baggage allowance, which typically saves passengers around £30 compared with budget rivals.

Mr Heapy said: “Different airlines compete in different ways – like supermarkets at different price points. We differentiate ourselves through service.

“For example, we don’t cancel flights lightly. Some airlines cancel when operations become difficult, but we work hard to get customers to their destination. For many, it’s the one holiday they’ve worked all year for, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Gatwick is the busiest single-runway airport in the world. Jet2 has been seek slots at the Sussex hub “for years”. But only when some infrastructure improvements freed up slots was the Leeds-based company able to move in – with the announcement made just four months ago.

“We moved quickly, agreeing to base six aircraft here – five based locally and one overseas. Flights went on sale less than six months ago, and today they’re full,” Mr Heapy said.

Given the ferocious rivalry at Gatwick, and the need to charter in some aircraft to cover at other bases, Jet2 told investors that the operation would “move into profitability” only in 2029 – but would “deliver meaningful profit growth thereafter”.

The launch comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, with reports of a drop in demand for eastern Mediterranean destinations including Cyprus and Turkey. The Jet2 boss said: “There was a short-term dip following recent events, but demand is recovering. Confidence is improving, and there are some great offers available. These destinations will come back strongly.

“Ultimately, people still want to travel. They want a break, especially given the current mood and weather in the UK. Holidays remain something people look forward to, and we’re ready to meet that demand.

“It’s been a long-term project and we’re delighted to finally be here. We hope this is just the start and that we can expand further in the coming years.”

Cheap tricks – lowest fares from Gatwick to six key destinations

The Independent has researched flights on a range of dates from Gatwick to some of the most popular holiday destinations. These are the lowest one-way basic fares:

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