Summary
Jet2 today ended a 40 year era of scheduled Boeing 757 operations within the UK when it flew its last service with the type.
As the last UK operator of the 757 in passenger configuration, Jet2 has been slowly retiring its fleet over the past year as more modern Airbus A321neo types join the airline.
Its Boeing 757s, all of which previously flew with other carriers, now have an average age of more than 32 years. Despite their versatility and build quality, the aircraft are now being set aside for more modern, fuel efficient types.
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Jet2’s Final 757 Services
On board the last flights. Photo (c) Scott Cooper
The cockpit of G-LSAI after the final flight. Photo (c) Scott Cooper
With enthusiasts flocking to grab one last flight on the 757 in the UK over the past few days, it was down to G-LSAI to operate the last flight.
This aircraft – a 37 year old 757-21B which began life in China with CAAC in 1987 – flew LS812 from Geneva to Manchester on 5th January, which departed at 13:35 and landed later that afternoon.
The previous day, G-LSAK had also operated its final services for Jet2 with a roundtrip from Manchester to Antalya and back.
This 28 year old aircraft began life with American Trans Air in 1996 and joined Jet2 in 2010.
In recent days the last two aircraft had operated trips from Manchester to Alicante, Lanzarote, Las Palmas and Prague.
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What Happened to Jet2’s 757s?
G-LSAH being scrapped at Cotswold Airport. Photo (c) Alec Wilson
As we previously reported, the 17-strong fleet of Boeing 757s which have flown for Jet2 since the type was introduced in 2005 have been retired over the past few years in favour of more modern types.
Since then, all of the retired types have been sent to storage locations. Sadly, most have already been scrapped, with the airframes now being too old for anything other than part reclamation.
This seems the likely fate for G-LSAI and G-LSAK.
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A Proud British Heritage
Boeing 757-236 G-BKRM of Air Europe. (Eduard Marmet, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
The Boeing 757 has been a dominant part of the UK aviation landscape since the early 1980s when British Airways, Air Europe and Monarch Airlines all became early adopters of the type.
Over subsequent years the 757 showed its versatility on short-, medium- and long-haul services, flying regular scheduled services with mainline carriers, and leisure routes with a huge range of charter and low-cost airlines.
It has also been used widely as a cargo aircraft in later years, with the likes of DHL flying it out of hubs like Edinburgh and East Midlands.
It seems unlikely any British operators will fly the 757 in passenger service again, making today a poignant day for aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike.
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What are your memories of flying the 757? Were you on the last Jet2 flights? Leave a comment below!
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Title image: G-LSAI at Geneva. Photo (c) Scott Cooper
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Boeing 757 Timelines
In his new book, Boeing 757 Timelines, author Nigel Richardson includes a full chapter on the history and operations of Jet2’s 757 fleet. It includes a full fleet listing and individual aircraft histories. Additionally, this colour, hardback book looks at the full history and operational life of the Boeing 757 in great detail.
