Jet2.com won the airline category at the Routes Europe 2024 awards for its increased seat capacity, new routes, and industry-leading approach to working with airport and destination partners, demonstrating its success and commitment to building partnerships. The finalists in the category were:
- airBaltic: Latvia’s airBaltic experienced significant growth, launching a record-breaking 38 new routes in 2023 with further expansions planned for 2024. Focus areas include establishing a seasonal base in Gran Canaria, redefining Riga as a transfer hub, expanding in Estonia and Lithuania, and growing outside the Baltics. The airline achieved its highest revenue and net profit in 2023, collaborating with tourism boards and airports for successful partnerships and market leadership.
- Jet2.com: English leisure carrier Jet2.com operates over 500 routes to more than 70 overseas destinations, serving both flight-only and package-holiday customers. Anticipated growth includes a 12.6pc capacity increase in summer 2024, driven by almost 40 new routes and expansions at bases like Liverpool and Bournemouth. Initiatives like using sustainable aviation fuel and investing in its production plant demonstrate Jet2.com’s commitment to sustainability.
- SunExpress: Joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, SunExpress carried 13.6m passengers in 2023 and aims to transport 16m passengers in the current year. Expanding networks in Europe and targeting the Middle East and North Africa with plans to open a new base in Trabzon, Turkey. Ambitious growth targets include adding around 100 aircraft within the next decade and reaching 30m passengers by 2035.
- Transavia: With a fleet of 45 aircraft, Transavia serves 104 destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, with over 9m passengers annually. Sustainability efforts, including transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet by the end of the decade and investments in electric flying and sustainable aviation fuel. Marketing collaborations with tourism boards enhance visibility and promote destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to innovative and environmentally conscious operations.
- Volotea: Specialising in connecting small and medium-sized European cities, Volotea operates in 100 cities across 18 countries, with codeshare agreements and partnerships in place. Aiming to reduce direct carbon dioxide emissions per passenger-kilometer by 50pc by 2025, ahead of schedule, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability. Rapid growth and network expansion, coupled with a focus on enhancing air travel connectivity in underserved markets, position Volotea as a dynamic and eco-conscious airline.
