Jet2 has eight 757-200ERs. Averaging 32 years, it has one more 757 than it does 737-300s, that classic type. This summer, it had one fewer 757 than the A321ceo, including all of its wet-leased examples, but leased aircraft are being returned to their lessors for the off-season. Not surprisingly, Jet2's 235-seat 757s will be based exclusively in Manchester this winter.

Jet2's 757s: a summary

The leisure carrier's eight-strong subfleet is shown below. Given they're vintage, they've had often had a smorgasbord of previous operators, even if simply on short-term lease, many of which no longer remain.

When writing, not all eight are active, which is hardly surprising given the end of the peak season. For example, Flightradar24 shows that 30-year-old G-LSAC last flew commercially on September 29th, from Reus back to Manchester. It was then positioned empty to Shannon on October 2nd, where it remains, presumably for its winter C check.

  1. G-LSAA: delivered to Air Europe in 1988, later used by Air Anatolia and Fly Air. Entered Jet2's fleet in 2005
  2. G-LSAB: delivered to Air Holland in 1988 and also used by Britannia, Sterling, El Al, Martinair, Air Anatolia, and Fly Air. Part of Jet2 in 2005
  3. G-LSAC: delivered to Air Transat in 1992 and also used by Ryan International. Entered Jet2's fleet in 2006
  4. G-LSAE: delivered to Air Holland in 1988. Variously used by Sterling, Air Gabon, Spanair, Air Slovakia, and more. Joined Jet2 in 2006
  5. G-LSAI: delivered to China Southern in 1987. Part of Jet2 in 2006
  6. G-LSAJ: delivered to Air Europe in 1990 and also used by Air 2000, Blue Scandinavia, Britannia, and more. Entered Jet2's fleet in 2008
  7. G-LSAK: delivered to ATA in 1996 and used briefly by the UAE's RAK Airways. Started flying with Jet2 in 2010, then from 2012
  8. G-LSAN: delivered to Transavia in 1994 and also used by ATA, OceanAir, Avianca, and AeroGal. Part of Jet2 in 2012
757-200ER by Ryan International
(This 757 was operated by Ryan International. It is now G-LSAC.)

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This winter's 757 flying

The latest Cirium schedules data shows that Jet2 will have 281 winter departures from the UK, with the northern winter running from October 30th until March 25th.

The 757 has fewer flights than any of Jet2's other fleet. The off-season is, of course, a good time to undertake more in-depth maintenance, and there are days this season with no 757 flights, while others have between 1x daily and 6x daily. Almost 757 flights will be to Spain (265; 94%), with the rest to Switzerland for skiing (13; 5%), Portugal (just twice on October 31st and November 1st), and Turkey (once on November 1st).

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Mainly about the Canaries

The 757's route network revolves around Spain's Canary Islands. More than six in every ten 757 flights (62%) are between Manchester and Tenerife South, some 1,893 miles (3,043km) apart.

Indeed, known for being pretty warm for a European winter destination, the Canaries are key, with 86% of the 757's winter services, benefiting from the subfleet's range and capacity.

Fellow island Lanzarote follows Tenerife with the second most 757 flights (20%), with Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria also served. Elsewhere, the 757 is mainly deployed to Alicante and Geneva, but not often.

Have you flown Jet2's 757s? If so, share your experiences in the comments.