Jet2 has launched its inaugural flight from London Gatwick.
Perfectly timed for the Easter holidays, the full flight departed from London Gatwick to Tenerife, with holidaymakers jetting off on a well-deserved holiday to the popular sunshine destination.
It marked the start of Jet2 operating award-winning flights and package holidays from the UK’s second largest airport for the first time, and this inaugural flight was followed by another to Alicante shortly after.
To celebrate the first day of flying, customers were treated to the famous VIP customer experience Jet2 are known for, receiving a red-carpet welcome at check-in, a surprise appearance from Zoe Lister and personalised gifts.
Continuing to put customers at the very heart of the celebrations, a selection of customers were also surprised with free flight vouchers, and holidaymakers on the inaugural flight were invited to a special launch event where a Spanish guitarist entertained them.
In addition, one lucky customer received a seven-night Jet2holiday to the AluaSoul Mallorca Resort in Majorca, personally awarded to them onboard the first flight by Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy.
The official arrival of Jet2 at London Gatwick follows years of demand from customers and independent travel agents for the company to bring its award-winning customer service to the region.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today is an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2, as we welcome our first customers at London Gatwick and wave off our inaugural flight.
“After years of demand to come to London Gatwick, we are delighted to be bringing our award-winning service, recognised 11 years in a row by Which? as its recommended travel provider, to the UK’s largest beach and city leisure destination airport.
“Seeing our first flight take off from our 14th UK airport base, is an important milestone which we shared with our customers in a huge celebration with a familiar voice too – Zoe Lister.
“Time and time again, we have shown that when we expand our operations and bring the Jet2 product to new customers at a new airport base, customers flock to our brand and award-winning customer service.
“Since going on sale, we have experienced phenomenal demand from customers and independent travel agents, and we are looking forward to a hugely successful future from our newest UK airport base.”
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said: “Today’s inaugural Jet2 flights mark an exciting moment for London Gatwick and for passengers across the region.
“The launch of 29 new routes and the creation of more than 300 jobs demonstrate the strength of demand for travel from our airport and the confidence airlines have in London Gatwick as a place to grow.
“We’re proud to support Jet2’s newest base, giving passengers even more choice with our extensive and diverse route network, and great value flights and holidays to some of Europe’s most popular destinations.”
