Jet2.com set to invest £9m in training academy
Jet2.com has announced today that it is investing £9m in a new training academy, as well as bringing its call centre operations into Leeds.
These developments will generate over 80 new jobs.
Jet2.com’s call centre will move from South Africa into the company’s new 71,000 sq ft headquarters at The Mint in Leeds later this month.
The training academy is to be based on the Euroway Industrial Estate, Bradford and Jet2 said it is a first for the region. It will house three flight simulators plus a cabin crew trainer unit to provide training for both new recruits and existing pilots and crew across its eight UK bases. Building will commence over the next couple of months with the aim to have the academy ready for spring 2014.
In total Jet2.com has created 525 new roles in Yorkshire this year. More than 1,500 staff are based in the Leeds area, with 3,000 employees in the north overall.
Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, said: “The heart of our business very much remains in Yorkshire, so it’s fantastic to be able to announce further expansion in the region, providing even more jobs for this talented local workforce.
“Centralising our call centres in the city and developing our own purpose built training academy for our pilots and cabin crew is an investment in the future of our business, as we continue to grow.
“This year is set to be another successful year for us. Across our eight UK bases we are expecting to fly 5.5 million passengers to and from 61 destinations. These further developments clearly demonstrate our commitment to giving people the best possible service and great value flights and holidays to the Mediterranean, Canaries and top European cities.”
Meeson was speaking at the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce annual lunch, which took place at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Friday.
Chamber president, Nigel Foster said: “Whilst I do not under-estimate just how tough the economy remains for many of our members, I do feel there is a renewed confidence coming back to the city. Our own quarterly survey results will report that member’s confidence levels are at levels last seen six years ago.
“With confidence comes investment. We now have cranes back on the city skyline and more development in the pipeline. Victoria Gate, will bring John Lewis to the city something that has been in discussion for nearly 40 years. Plans to extend development at Thorpe Park and the White Rose Centre are well advanced and plans for the New Generation Transport scheme are underway as is proposed new development at Leeds Railway Station.
“But it’s not just about physical infrastructure, the city has other things to look forward to. I believe we have turned a corner and are on the up, business owners are feeling more confident and investment is starting to flow into the city.”
