Jet2 snaps up former Thomas Cook landing slots at Manchester Airport

As reported by the official receiver, Jet2 have acquired landing slots at Manchester airport along with slots at Birmingham and Stansted airports just two months after the UK’s oldest tour operator closed its UK operations.

Jet2 currently operates fights to 62 destinations from Manchester.

 No frills airline easyjet has acquired all of Thomas Cook’s landing slots at Gatwick and Bristol airports for £36 million.

In a statement the official receiver said:

“This outcome has been facilitated by the collaborative approach of Thomas Cook’s commercial partners at UK airports and the support of both internal and external slot co-ordinators.”

In October, Sunderland based independent travel agency Hays Travel acquired Thomas Cook’s 555 high street retail portfolio of stores for £6 million saving around 2,500 jobs.

Thomas Cook, who had 5 retail branches across Stockport in Bramhall, Cheadle, Marple, Hazel Grove and at Merseyway, ceased trading on Monday 23rd September.

CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays Steve Heapy explained:

“The acquisition of these key UK airport slots will play an important role in supporting our continued growth at Birmingham, London Stansted and Manchester Airports.

“We have been adding more flights and aircraft, resulting in increased capacity, at each of these bases for many years.

“Today’s announcement is the latest demonstration of our commitment to providing holidaymakers with more choice and flexibility when it comes to flying to sun, city and ski destinations with our award-winning airline.”

On 23 September 2019, winding up orders were made against Thomas Cook Group plc and associated companies. The court appointed the Official Receiver as the Liquidator.

The court has since appointed Special Managers to assist the Official Receiver with the liquidation. Insolvency Practitioners from Alix Partners have been appointed as Special Managers over the airline and tour operator companies. Insolvency Practitioners from KPMG LLP have been appointed as Special Managers to the Group’s retail division and to its aircraft maintenance companies.