Historic Final Flight
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, a significant aviation milestone was marked by Jet2, a prominent British airline, as it operated the United Kingdom’s last passenger flight using a Boeing 757. This final flight, which flew from Manchester (MAN) to Geneva (GVA) and back, was carried out by the Boeing 757-200 registered as G-LSAI, which is 37.3 years old. The aircraft took off from Manchester at 10:05 AM and landed in Geneva at 12:40 PM local time. The return journey concluded with its landing back at Manchester at 3:24 PM, thereby drawing a close to nearly 42 years of service by the Boeing 757 in the UK’s commercial aviation sector.
About Jet2
Jet2, recognized as the third-largest scheduled airline in the UK, follows British Airways and easyJet in rank. The airline boasts a diverse fleet of approximately 120 aircraft, comprising models from both Boeing and Airbus. In addition to its airline services, Jet2 has also emerged as the largest tour operator in the UK, surpassing TUI in 2023. This achievement highlights its significant presence in both the aviation and tourism sectors in the UK.
Phasing Out the Boeing 757
As of the beginning of 2024, Jet2 operated eight Boeing 757 aircraft. However, these were systematically retired towards the end of the year. By the start of 2025, only three of these airframes remained. Among them, G-LSAE was transported on January 2, 2025, from Manchester to St Athan Airport near Cardiff for dismantling and recycling, leaving only G-LSAI and G-LSAK. G-LSAI not only performed the last passenger service on January 5 but also is scheduled for a ceremonial fly-past over Jet2’s headquarters at Leeds-Bradford Airport before its final decommissioning.
Legacy of the Boeing 757 in the UK
The Boeing 757 has been a critical part of the UK’s aviation history since its first operational flight by British Airways on February 9, 1983. Originally designed to replace the Hawker Siddeley Tridents on domestic shuttle services, the 757 was the second model globally to be adopted by airlines shortly after its introduction by Eastern Airlines in the US on January 1, 1983. Over its operational period, British Airways managed a fleet of 53 Boeing 757-200s until their retirement in 2010, post which many were converted to freighters for DHL (UK).
The aircraft was esteemed for its operational efficiency, ability to operate from shorter runways, compliance with stringent noise regulations, and its high-technology cockpit designed for two crew members. Throughout its service, the Boeing 757 was favored for medium-range, transcontinental routes, and could accommodate up to 235 passengers in a high-density, single-class configuration.
Continued Legacy and Future of 757s
Despite the retirement of passenger services in the UK, the Boeing 757 continues to be an active player in global aviation. Major airlines like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Icelandair still operate these aircraft, although the fleet is aging, and retirements are expected to increase by 2025. As of now, around 210 Boeing 757s remain in passenger service globally, with an additional 270 operating in cargo roles.