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Jet2 has announced the launch of its first all-business-class charter jetliner. The Boeing 737-800 Next Generation will be available to charter beginning October 2026, according to Airways magazine. It is currently planned to operate the all-business-configured 737 until at least May 2027.
The jet has been downsized to just under half of its original seating capacity for the new premium layout. Jet2 is targeting high-end business travelers that typically have a large entourage like music and sports VIPs or other entertainers. According to the details released so far, each of the 76 seats will have a minimum of 43 inches of leg room.
The Jet2 Next-Gen 737: All Business, All The Time
Jet2 is making a major pivot to the high-end premium charter segment for the first time with its new jetliner. Typically, the 737-800NG would be able to accommodate 189 travelers. The leisure carrier brought that number down to just 76 in order to upgrade the comfort of each individual seat but also to create a premium atmosphere inside the cabin. As a complement to these hardware upgrades, there will be a tailored catering service for each charter.
While Jet2 has not published fixed price lists for its new VIP 737-800NG, industry data for similar VIP airliner charters suggests that costs will likely start at around $15,000 to $25,000 per flight hour. For its 76-seat configuration, this translates to roughly $200 to $330 per seat, per hour if the aircraft is fully booked, according to Fly Blade.
By moving into the premium sector, Jet2 can offer a high-end product alongside its existing charter services, meeting growing demand for privacy and comfort. The new aircraft will allow Jet2 to offer a fully customizable flying experience. Head of Charter and Airline Sales at Jet2, Trevor Caplis, was quoted by Airways Magazine:
“The bespoke configuration of one of our Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with a dedicated business-class specification is a genuine game-changer, and we expect it to be popular with our sports, music, entertainment, and specialist group customers.”
The New Jet2 Experience
Once the service launches in October 2026, the process for a VIP group will be much smoother and more enjoyable than standard commercial flying for a long list of reasons. First of all, the itinerary will be exactly as the client requested, so long as the intended origin and destination can accommodate the plane. Then there’s the option to bypass the main terminal and use either a private boarding area or operate from a small FBO.
Once on board, the cabin crew will provide dedicated service based on the request of the charter group that were arranged prior to departure. Catering can be nutritionally tailored for sports teams or designed as fine dining for corporate events. Jet2 can even equip the plane with custom branding on board to include headrest covers or menus with the style and logo of the customer.
Adding to the benefits of the extra comfort is the convenience of the full-size 737’s cargo hold. The jetliner’s belly can accommodate a large amount of outsize luggage and heavy equipment for musical groups, entertainers, athletes, and more. The aircraft can handle flights of six to seven hours with a full load, covering around 3,115 nautical miles (5,765 km).
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The Niche Market Of VIP Jetliners
There are a select few operators with full-size jetliners in all-business-class configurations. Boutique airlines like La Compagnie and Beond sell individual seats on scheduled routes, and VIP charter operators like KlasJet and Royal Jet that lease the entire aircraft for private groups. Charter pricing is generally ‘all-in’ for the aircraft rather than per person, though final quotes vary based on route and services.
La Compagnie primarily flies the Airbus A321neo with 76 full-flat seats. They are adding a third A321neo in September 2026, which will feature an even roomier 68-seat configuration. Beond is a premium airline based in the Maldives targeting luxury leisure travelers. It connects cities like Milan and Zurich to Malé, with a stopover in Dubai for refueling.
KlasJet operates Europe’s largest fleet of Boeing 737-VIP aircraft. Their 737-800s are often reconfigured with 68 to 102 business-class seats. Royal Jet is an Abu Dhabi-based operator specializing in the Boeing Business Jet, the VIP variant of the 737. They offer highly specialized layouts ranging from 19 to 52 seats, often including bedrooms and showers.
