Jet2 opens maintenance hangar in Manchester

Jet2.com, England’s leading leisure airline, has celebrated the grand opening of its new €30m maintenance hangar at Manchester Airport, a pivotal development set to bolster the airline’s operational capacity and support its ambitious growth plans. The 6,300-square-metre facility, constructed in just one year by technical construction partner TSL, replaces a previous hangar on the site and stands adjacent to Jet2’s existing maintenance hub, effectively doubling the airline’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities at this key location.

The new hangar allows Jet2’s engineering teams to service up to three aircraft simultaneously, with the combined capacity of both hangars accommodating up to six aircraft at once. This significant expansion is designed to support the airline’s growing fleet, which includes a mix of Boeing 737s and Airbus A321neos, with plans to expand to over 132 aircraft by 2035 following a recent order conversion from A320neo to A321neo models. The facility’s advanced infrastructure ensures more efficient servicing and faster turnaround times, reducing reliance on external maintenance providers and enhancing operational resilience.

In line with Jet2’s sustainability strategy, the hangar features solar panels on its roof to meet a portion of its energy demands, reflecting the airline’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Beyond its technical capabilities, the hangar houses a dedicated apprentice training suite, complete with workshops and classrooms, to nurture the next generation of aircraft engineers. With over 30 engineering apprentices currently employed, Jet2 is investing heavily in workforce development to support its long-term expansion.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, hailed the facility as a “world-class” addition to the airline’s operations, emphasising its role in driving growth. “This significant investment enhances our in-house maintenance capabilities and allows us to bring more skilled engineers into our business, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers,” he said. Jackie Wild, group CEO of TSL, praised the collaborative effort, noting that the project was completed on time and within budget, a testament to the strong partnership between Jet2 and TSL.

The hangar’s strategic location at Manchester Airport, one of Jet2’s largest UK bases, underscores its importance to the airline’s network. As Jet2 continues to expand, with new bases announced at Bournemouth and London Luton for 2025, the facility will play a critical role in maintaining the airline’s reputation for reliability and efficiency. Despite challenges such as competition for skilled engineers and regulatory scrutiny, Jet2’s investment signals confidence in the future of leisure travel and its commitment to Manchester as a cornerstone of its operations.

The hangar is fully operational, with maintenance teams already servicing aircraft and apprentices beginning their training programmes. Industry observers note that this development positions Jet2 to meet the growing demand for holiday travel while strengthening its competitive edge in England aviation sector.