Jet2's Final Boeing 757 Takes Flight: End of an Era in UK Skies
On January 7, 2025, the final Boeing 757 in Jet2's fleet, G-LSAI, will bid farewell to the UK skies with a symbolic flyover above Leeds Bradford Airport before being transferred to a Welsh airline. This marks the end of an era for both Jet2 and the iconic Boeing 757 in British aviation.
The last passenger flight of a Boeing 757 in the UK took place on January 5, 2025, operated by Jet2. The flight, from Manchester to Geneva and back, signalled the end of the 757's 40-year passenger career in the UK. Jet2's farewell to the Boeing 757 is not just a significant moment for the airline but also an emotional one for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
The Boeing 757 has left an indelible mark on British aviation. British Airways alone operated 53 of these aircraft, flying an impressive 3.1 million flights and accumulating 8.1 million flight hours, carrying 471 million passengers. Other UK airlines such as Monarch, Thomas Cook, TUI, and Jet2 also utilised the Boeing 757 in their fleets. Boeing produced 1,050 examples of the 757 between 1982 and 2004, with around 210 still in service today.
The Boeing 757's history in the UK began on February 9, 1983, with British Airways first deploying the aircraft type on domestic flights. Over the years, the 757 has set standards and shaped air travel, becoming a staple in British aviation.
As Jet2's last Boeing 757, G-LSAI, prepares to leave the UK, it takes with it a wealth of memories and achievements. The iconic aircraft has played a pivotal role in shaping British aviation and will continue to do so in its new home. While this chapter closes for Jet2, the Boeing 757's legacy lives on, reminding us of the incredible impact it has had on air travel.
