Jet2 Says A321neos Are Delayed

Jet2 announced its planned growth through the deployment of Airbus A321neos has been delayed.

As part of future fleet planning, the company expects to take delivery of 14 new owned and leased CFM-powered A321neo aircraft produced by Airbus.

Thanks to these fresh deliveries, reliance on the A321neo will increase. By the end of summer 2025, the total fleet number for this type is expected to reach 23 units.

However, several aircraft are delayed well past their previously agreed delivery dates, and Jet2 expects to feel the repercussions.

Jet2 says that the delays will result in additional operational costs as they attempt to find ways to cover the gaps in which the newly delivered A321neos would be operational during the peak summer flying schedule, but are not ready.

The need to cover parts of the business to limit the impact, such as these, is incredibly frustrating. For Jet2, the effect stops them from operating normally and making the most of significant demand across key segments.

In a statement, however, the carrier confirmed that it was still upbeat and had enjoyed operating the A321neo thus far, with the plane delivering on everything Jet2 had hoped for.

The A321neo represents an integral part of Jet2’s fleet renewal efforts. While acquisition efforts have been complicated, the planes already show value through reduced emissions, enhanced customer experience, and far better operating economics than the planes being replaced.

Fleet data indicates that Jet2 has 118 aircraft to its name, and the A321 series is the youngest in the family, when measured by average age, which is 2.6 years.

Already, the carrier operates 14 of the A321neo planes, averaging just 0.9 years of age. This helps dramatically reduce the age of its fleet and thus improves efficiency across the board.

Jet2 Not Alone In Delays

Unfortunately, the inability to take delivery of new planes on time is a problem not just seen at Jet2 but also felt industry-wide.

Aircraft manufacturers emerging from the global pandemic have struggled to meet and even sustain output rates, and planned increases have not gone ahead.

As a result, the backlogs have continued to grow with more airlines ordering aircraft. Still, output hasn’t increased or been able to meet what was previously outlined, leading to colossal delays across multiple aircraft programs.

Whether the A321neo program or now the flagship A350 series, airlines have been pushing back their delivery estimations and the impact has worsened depending on each airline’s specific circumstances.