Jet2 (LS/EXS) is the UK’s third-largest airline and a leading leisure carrier, operating a fleet of narrowbody aircraft across Europe. Jet2 traces its roots back to Channel Express, a cargo airline founded in 1978. The company transitioned to passenger operations in 2003, rebranding as Jet2 and launching its first leisure flights from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Initially focused on low-cost holiday travel, the airline rapidly expanded, establishing multiple UK bases and growing into one of Europe’s leading leisure carriers. Today, Jet2 operates an extensive network of flights to sun-soaked destinations across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and beyond, catering to millions of holidaymakers annually through Jet2.com and its package holiday brand, Jet2Holidays.
Let’s take a look at the Jet2 fleet and identify the newest and oldest aircraft in active service.
| Aircraft Type | Number in Fleet |
|---|---|
| Airbus A321neo | 14 |
| Airbus A321-200 | 3 |
| Airbus A330-200 | 1 (seasonal) |
| Boeing 737-300 | 7 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 93 |
Narrowbodies
The newest narrowbody aircraft in service with Jet2 is G-HLYJ, an Airbus A321-251NX, built in 2025. The aircraft is among the latest additions to the fleet as part of Jet2’s ongoing modernization efforts. Based at Jet2’s Manchester (MAN) hub, it regularly flies to popular holiday destinations in Spain, Greece, and the Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura (FUE), Faro (FAO) and Funchal (FNC).
The oldest narrowbody aircraft in the Jet2 fleet is G-GDFD, a Boeing 737-8K5, built in 1997. This aircraft is based in Birmingham (BHX). Despite its age, the aircraft remains in regular service, operating flights to destinations including Athens (ATH), Malta (MLA) and Prague (PRG).
Jet2’s seasonal widebody use
While Jet2 primarily operates narrowbody aircraft, it also has access to a single Airbus A330-200, G-VYGL, during peak periods (though the airline has previously utilized more than one A330 at once). This aircraft, built in July 2014, is leased from AirTanker (9L/TOW) to accommodate increased passenger demand on routes to destinations such as Tenerife, Antalya, and Rhodes. The A330-200 provides greater capacity than the airline’s narrowbody fleet, offering additional comfort for long-haul leisure travelers. At the time of writing, this aircraft is flying almost exclusively between Manchester (MAN), Tenerife (TFS) and Lanzarote (ACE).
The retirement of the Boeing 757
Jet2 previously operated a fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft, which had been a mainstay of the airline’s operations for many years. However, the airline retired the last of its 757s in January 2025, replacing them with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo. The retirement marked the end of an era for Jet2, as the 757 had played a crucial role in the airline’s expansion, particularly on high-demand holiday routes.
A tale of two liveries
Jet2 aircraft wear one of two liveries. The more modern silver and red livery as seen on some 737s and most A321neos, and the older white and blue sun livery seen on the majority of its aircraft. This design first appeared when Jet2 Holidays titles were applied to Allegiant Air aircraft that were hired for operations some years ago. The look was subsequently retained across the fleet, giving the majority of Jet2’s aircraft a distinctly similar look to Allegiant.
Some aircraft even wear hybrids of these liveries, such as G-HLYJ, the newest fleet narrowbody jet featured above. Which livery do you prefer?
Have you flown on any of these Jet2 aircraft? Let us know in the comments.
Cover photo: Mike Barker, JetPhotos.
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