Meeson looks to fly further as Jet2.com celebrates milestone

PHILIP Meeson, the founder of budget airline Jet2.com, has described himself as a “very happy person” and said he has no plans to sell his stake in stock market quoted company Dart Group.

And Mr Meeson said although he was confident about growth across the whole business, he believes its Jet2holidays arm could possibly offer the best  opportunities.

Dart Group comprises leisure airline Jet2.com, package holiday operator Jet2holidays and distribution and logistics company Fowler Welch.

Reflecting on the 10 year anniversary of Jet2.com, based at Leeds Bradford International Airport and which offers flights to more than 50 destinations throughout the Mediterranean, the Canaries and Europe from eight UK airports, Mr Meeson said: “It’s been a fantastic experience. I always wanted to build a business and I take a great interest in business.

“We strive to give good service and it’s a great service. We offer competitive prices.

“I’m massively proud of our achievements across the group. A lot of hard work has been done by a lot of people. We want to be the nation’s favourite leisure provider airline and holiday company. And we are recognised as getting close to that.”

Mr Meeson, who holds a 40% shareholding in Dart Group, said he had no plans to sell his stake, take the company private or move the company out of Yorkshire.

He quipped that the promotion of Steve Heapy to chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays would give him more time to relax but said he hadn’t considered retirement.

He also said he was supportive of the improvements being made at Leeds Bradford Airport and said he wasn’t concerned about increased competition from the likes of British Airways, Monarch and Ryanair at the site.

However, he admitted transport links to the airport “could be easier” but stressed its proximity to Leeds and Bradford were major advantages.

“I’m a very happy person. I went to Geneva and back the other week on one of our planes, serviced by our tremendous staff. I’m very proud but I couldn’t grow something like this again. 

“Being a public company has many benefits. We have raised money three times from shareholders. Running a public company also means we publish our annual report and accounts and being open and transparent is good for our shareholders and customers.”

Mr Meeson is a former British Aerobatic Champion who bought the Channel Express Group in 1983 and started out distributing flowers from Guernsey around the UK.

He then separately developed the aviation and distribution sides of the business, launching passenger flights at the end of 2002.

Trading at Dart Group, which employs more than 2,800 people, is “very positive” according to Mr Meeson after the company reported a 37% rise in pre-tax profits in the six months to the end of September.

Mr Meeson believes Jet2holidays offers increasing opportunities as people look for inclusive deals and save cash as the economic downturn continues to bite.

“It’s the right product for the time and it’s very popular. I can’t see why people wouldn’t want to buy package holidays.”

Mr Meeson said he felt for people looking to set up in business today.

“There were a lot of opportunities in my era. I do often think if I was to start up today as I did back then on my own it wouldn’t take off.”

However, he hailed the entrepreneurial spirt of the British public.