Jet2’s Retail Operations Centre in Cheshire handles the large-scale operation of stocking aircraft with food, drinks and retail products, processing approximately 300 million items in a typical year.
Opened in October 2023, the high-security facility covers 150,000 square feet and uses automated systems to organise products before they are loaded onto trolleys and transported to aircraft.
The operation handles a wide range of goods, from crisps and sandwiches to watches, headphones, cosmetics and alcoholic drinks. Its systems are designed to maximise space on each trolley, with carts sent out for flights before being returned to the centre for restocking.
Annual volumes include around five million sandwiches, 10 million cans of soft drinks and six million tubs of Pringles.
Automated Systems Transform the Stocking Process
The centre initially relied on manual loading when it opened, but began moving towards automation within weeks. The technology has continued to develop as Jet2 refines its distribution operation.
The facility operates around the clock during the peak summer season and for approximately 18 hours a day during the rest of the year.
Its infrastructure includes a control room overseeing operations, a large loading bay and a fleet of trucks ready to transport stocked trolleys. Automated equipment moves confectionery and other products into carts, while a conveyor and stacking system supports the movement of goods through the site.
Security Measures Give the Centre an Airport-Like Role
Jet2’s decision to manage more of its own aircraft supply operations has increased the importance of security at the centre.
Staff and visitors undergo vetting procedures, while products and bar carts are subject to extensive checks before being dispatched. Four dedicated X-ray scanners are used to screen bar carts, a system described as a first for the UK travel industry.
Mark Hancocks, Jet2’s Head of In-Flight Retail Operations, has referred to the centre as “the first airport without a runway” because of its surveillance, screening and monitoring systems.
The facility also uses airport-style terminology, with entrances and exits labelled “arrivals” and “departures”. Murals showing families on holiday decorate the walls, reflecting the customers served by the operation.
Jet2 Uses Passenger Data to Decide What Goes on Board
Jet2 uses information about its passengers to determine which products should be loaded onto individual flights.
John Davis, the company’s Product and Retail Director, said the airline and tour operator also operates as a retailer, with 130 shops in the sky.
Unlike a high-street store, where retailers may not know who will enter, Jet2 has information about passengers booked onto its flights in advance. The company uses this data to adjust its stock according to customers’ likely preferences.
Davis said the approach helps the business avoid carrying products that are unlikely to meet passenger demand.
Lighter Trolleys Reduce Fuel Use and Emissions
Adjusting stock to match passenger demand has reduced the weight carried on each flight by approximately 100kg.
Jet2 estimates that the changes save more than 1,200 tonnes of fuel annually and cut carbon emissions by over 3,900 tonnes.
Davis said consolidating supplies into one central distribution centre, rather than using multiple warehouses near major airports, had also helped the company manage its stock more effectively.
He suggested that other airlines and travel companies could consider adopting similar systems, including the use of X-ray screening technology.
Jet2 has already outlined a five-year plan to further develop automation at the Cheshire centre.
Egypt Joins Jet2’s Holiday Destinations
Alongside its retail and supply operations, Jet2 is expanding its holiday programme by adding Egypt as a destination. The route represents the company’s longest flight from the UK to date.
The Canary Islands, Greek islands and Turkey remain among the destinations most popular with British holidaymakers.
Jet2 Reaffirms Its No Fuel Surcharges Guarantee
Jet2 has also reiterated its commitment not to add fuel surcharges after customers have booked flights or holidays.
The guarantee covers all flights and holidays on sale across every season, including summer 2027, winter 2027–28 and summer 2028. It applies regardless of whether customers book online, through the company’s mobile app, via its contact centre or through an independent travel agent.
Jet2 said it was the first UK airline and tour operator to introduce the commitment earlier in the year. Although the company had not previously applied fuel surcharges, it removed the provision across its flights and holidays.
David Hills, Jet2’s Chief Customer Officer, said the guarantee was intended to give customers certainty about the price they would pay after making a booking.
He said the company was reaffirming the commitment as customers planned winter holidays, city breaks, Christmas market visits and ski trips.
