Andy
Airliners Live
Jet2 is marking the end of an era as the airline retires its last remaining Boeing 757 aircraft, a fleet admired by many for their distinctive looks, powerful performance, and smooth flights. The retirement schedule, shared by "Ringway Reports" on Instagram, details the final passenger flights and subsequent departures of these classic jets from Manchester Airport, where the fleet has been based for many years.
Jet2's Boeing 757s, many of which are over 30 years old, have been a staple of the airline's operations, flying daily to popular destinations such as the Canary Islands, Greece, France, the Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Turkey, and even ski resorts like Geneva. These aircraft have served Jet2's passengers reliably and efficiently, earning a reputation among aviation enthusiasts for their strong performance and the unique, powerful sound of their engines.
As part of Jet2's modernization strategy, the aging 757s are being phased out and replaced with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A321NEOs. The first of these new aircraft, registered as G-SUNB, arrived in April 2023, and many more have joined the fleet since. The A321neo promises lower emissions and greater efficiency, but for many, it will be hard to replace the charm of the beloved 757.
The retirement schedule for Jet2’s Boeing 757s is as follows (All from Manchester Airport):
G-LSAC- will have its last passenger flight on November 3rd, followed by a departure to St. Athan Airport (DGX) at 09:00 on November 4th.
- G-LSAJ will also conclude its passenger service on November 3rd, departing to DGX at 09:00 on November 6th.
- G-LSAN will operate its final passenger flight on November 9th, with a departure set for 09:00 on November 11th.
- G-LSAK is scheduled to retire from passenger service on December 28th.
- G-LSAI, notably the oldest passenger 757 in Europe at 37 years old, will take its last flight on January 4th.
- G-LSAE will conclude its service on January 5th.
As someone who has had the privilege of flying on several of these aircraft, including G-LSAI, G-LSAJ, G-LSAC, and G-LSAE, I can personally attest to the smooth and impressive flights they offered — particularly remarkable given their age. The 757's ability to deliver a comfortable and stable ride, even on long-haul routes, is a testament to its superior design and engineering.
Although the sun is setting on Jet2’s Boeing 757 era, their legacy will be remembered fondly by many. For plane spotters and frequent fliers, they weren’t just aircraft; they were icons of style, performance, and reliability, now making way for a new chapter in Jet2’s fleet evolution.
All retirement flights are set to depart from Manchester Airport, and fans of these aircraft will surely take the opportunity to catch one last glimpse before they head off to Kemble Cotswold Airport, where their long journeys will come to an end.