Dart Group PLC - News

Dart Group PLC's distribution division has acquired the goodwill and selected assets of R. F. Fielding Cheshire Limited. The ambient business will trade as Fowler Welch Ambient and will operate from two main sites situated in Stockport and Birmingham and offers combined warehousing space in excess of 200,000 sq ft.

The company's enlarged fleet will now exceed a total of 450 tractor units and 800 trailers.

David Inglis, Managing Director of Fowler Welch-Coolchain, comments

"This strategic development will further strengthen our national network and clearly announces our arrival into the ambient consolidation sector. It is our intention to provide existing and future customers with the established high level of service currently provided in our temperature-controlled business."

Dart Group PLC, ("the Group") the aviation services and distribution group, reports on its first half trading.

Trading for the first half of the current financial year ending 31 March 2006 has been satisfactory and remains in line with current market expectations.

In the first half the Group will also be reporting an exceptional profit in the order of £3.7m arising from its recently announced disposal of Benair Freight International Limited and Benair Freight Pte.

The Group's low-cost airline, Jet2.com, announced yesterday that it was commencing operations from Blackpool International Airport, initially to three destinations - Belfast, Palma and Murcia.

Dart Group PLC, the aviation services and distribution group, announces today that it has sold 100% of its interest in Benair Freight International Limited and Benair Freight Pte ("Benair") to Gulf Agency Company ("GAC"), a global shipping, logistics and marine services group employing over 6,000 people in 200 offices worldwide.

The consideration, which is subject to a net asset adjustment, amounts to £5.1m based on the book value of the assets sold, estimated to be £1.2m. The proceeds will be used to pay down existing bank debt.

Commenting, Philip Meeson, Chairman and Chief Executive, said "The sale of Benair tidies up the Group structure and will free up management time and resources to concentrate on growing the Group's two core businesses of temperature-controlled distribution and aviation services. I believe that Benair has a bright future under its new owners, GAC".

Dart Group PLC is pleased to announce that all of the Annual General Meeting resolutions were approved.

Commenting on current trading, Philip Meeson, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: "Further to the comments I made in my Chairman's Statement on 16 June, 2005, I am pleased to confirm that the Group continues to trade in line with budget".

Dart Group PLC announces today that it has acquired two Boeing 757-200 aircraft from New Mexorado Gas LLC.

The aircraft will be used to further expand the operations of Channel Express (Air Services) Limited. The consideration will be met from existing cash and bank resources.

Dart Group PLC announces that it has acquired a further two Boeing 737-300 passenger aircraft formerly operated by Lufthansa. As a Class 2 transaction, the acquisition is not subject to prior approval from shareholders. The consideration will be met from existing cash and bank facilities. The aircraft will be used to further expand the Group's passenger business.

There follows a Half-Year Trading update from the Group's Chairman and Chief Executive, Philip Meeson.

"Further to my Statement at the Annual General Meeting on 5 August, I am pleased to confirm that the Group continues to trade ahead of budget.

I, therefore, expect pre-tax profits for the year ending 31 March 2005 to be materially ahead of current market expectations".

NINE DESTINATIONS, £21 FARES AND 200 NEW JOBS AS NORTH'S LOW COST AIRLINE SPREADS ITS WINGS

Manchester Airport Receives Single Biggest Airline Commitment. Ever

A deal which will initially bring Manchester airport SIX dedicated Boeing 737s, serving NINE exciting European destinations at fares starting FROM £21, was announced at a press conference in the city this morning by Philip Meeson, boss of the North's low cost airline Jet2.com.

The company, which already offers low cost travel to 14 destinations from Leeds Bradford and three from Belfast, sent out a clear message of commitment to the region with the size of its initial launch - the biggest ever by a scheduled airline at the North's largest airport.

The six Boeing 737 aircraft - each, like every plane in its fleet, owned by the company - will initially fly to nine destinations: Budapest, Faro, Geneva, Malaga, Murcia, Nice, Pisa, Valencia and Venice with one-way starting fares ranging from £21 to £31 including taxes.

The first flights will depart on December 1, 2004 from Manchester to the wonderful Hungarian city of Budapest and the following day to Murcia close to the world-famous La Manga resort in Spain.

Switzerland is the next launch with a Geneva service commencing on December 18 - the next service to Malaga commences on February 4 with four more destinations taking off on March 19, while the ninth destination starts on May 26 (see full schedule, below).

Seats go on sale at noon today following the announcement, which was made to journalists in Manchester at 10am this morning by Jet2.com boss Philip Meeson.

Philip Meeson said: "Our aim is to be the number one airline for leisure travellers in the North. We're here to build on our overwhelming success in Yorkshire and in Northern Ireland and we will be offering the people of Greater Manchester and beyond genuine low cost services.

"We launched at Leeds Bradford with fewer aircraft, and now we dominate low cost out of that region. This month alone we started a new service to Paris, launched a new route to Ibiza and announced a 50% increase to our summer 2005 timetable from our Yorkshire hub.

"This deal here in Manchester will initially mean almost 200 new jobs for people in the region, from cabin crew and pilots through to check-in staff and admin support.

"The size of today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to Manchester airport. It is a clear message that Jet2.com is not just here to stay, it's here to get bigger and better - we want more routes, we want more frequency and we want cheaper air travel for all."

John Spooner, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, said: "Jet2.com has quickly established itself as a major airline in the North of England and we are delighted that they have chosen Manchester as a major base for their future plans.

"'No Frills' is Manchester Airport's fastest-growing sector and we are pleased that Jet2.com is joining us."

Seats go on sale from noon today for all routes and the first Jet2.com services starts on December 1, 2004 with daily flights to Budapest in Hungary and a four-times weekly service to Murcia on the Spanish Costas the following day, - this route will become a double-daily service by March.

Ski enthusiasts will be delighted that one of Jet2.com's first services will be a daily, low cost service to Geneva, the Swiss ski capital, on December 18.

On February 4, 2005 the first flights depart for Faro, Malaga, Nice, Valencia and Venice, while Tuscany becomes a low cost option in May with a summer service to Pisa.

The Big Take-Off Timetable

December 1
1. Budapest, Hungary - daily from £21

December 2
2. Murcia, Spain - four-times weekly (double-daily by March) from £31

December 18
3. Geneva, Switzerland - daily from £21

February 4, 2005
4. Malaga, Spain - daily from £31

March 19, 2005
5. Faro, Portugal - daily from £31
6. Nice, France - daily from £21
7. Valencia, Spain - daily from £31
8. Venice, Italy - daily from £21


May 26, 2005
9. Pisa, Italy - daily from £21

All fares are one-way inclusive of taxes. For full fare and timetable information log on to www.jet2.com.

Dart Group PLC announces that it has signed a contract to acquire two Boeing 737 aircraft from Credit Lyonnais in Singapore.

The consideration will be met from existing cash and bank facilities.

The aircraft will be used to further expand the Group's aviation operations.

BEST OF BRITISH - JET2.COM  RECEIVES TOP NATIONAL CONSUMER AWARD

Fast-expanding low cost airline, Jet2.com, which operates out of Leeds Bradford and Belfast International airports, has received a major independent customer satisfaction award from the Guardian and Observer. The airline beat 27 other major airlines in the 'Best Short-Haul Airline' category - it was the overall number one UK-based operator.

At an awards ceremony in Rhodes yesterday, Mariella Frostrup announced that Jet2.com was second to Nordic-based airline Finnair in the category which covered all charter, no-frills and scheduled short-haul airlines.

More than 22,000 travel consumers took part in the annual Travel Awards survey held by the Guardian, the Observer and Guardian Unlimited online users - only Finnair and Jet2.com were singled out for achieving such high satisfaction scores in a demanding field.

Jet2.com was the number one ranked UK-based low cost airline ahead of British Airways (8th), BMI Baby (10th), Flybe (17th), easyJet (18th) & Ryanair (24th).

Philip Meeson, Jet2.com boss, said: "Already, this has been a fantastic year for us so far - absolutely fantastic.

"In February we were awarded the title of the world's most punctual airline flying into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, in March we surpassed the half-a-million passenger mark and in April we added three new routes: Leeds to Venice and Murcia and Belfast to Prague. However, this latest accolade is a real achievement for everyone associated with Jet2.com both in Yorkshire and in Northern Ireland as not only was it voted for by the public who fly with us it reflects the fantastic job our staff do for us.

"Perhaps unlike some airlines, for us low cost doesn't mean no-frills, and it certainly doesn't mean we neglect things like customer service and punctuality.

"These operating principals have been given a huge public endorsement and all of us at the airline are absolutely delighted with this award."

Travel Awards 2004

Rank, airline and percentage satisfaction score

1. Finnair 82.5%
2. Jet2.com 81.2%
3. Air Berlin 76.8%
4. JMC 75.9%
5. Thomas Cook 74.9%
6. SAS 74.2%
7. Swissair 73.2%
8. British Airways 71.2%
9. Tap Air Portugal 71.2%
10. BMI Baby 71.1%

RIDE ON TIME - NORTH'S LOW COST AIRLINE IS WORLD'S NO 1 INTO SCHIPHOL

Low cost airline Jet2.com is celebrating having scooped a prestigious award as the WORLD'S MOST PUNCTUAL AIRLINE flying into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport - one of Europe's largest and busiest.

Almost a year after its inaugural flight into Holland Jet2.com, the North's low cost airline which operates from Leeds Bradford airport, has fought off stiff competition from airlines across the world before landing the most punctual airline award.

All 80 airlines operating to and from Schiphol were considered for the 2003 punctuality award, which is now in its eleventh year, and the UK carrier was placed first ahead of Finland's Finnair and Denmark's Maersk Air.

Jet2.com will be presented with this coveted prize on 5 February by Marike van Lier Lels, the airport's vice president, at a ceremony on the Schiphol site.

Philip Meeson, chief executive of Jet2.com, commented: "This is a major honour for our airline and a huge achievement by all of our staff. It takes more than just a first class flight crew and engineers to ensure we depart and arrive on time.

"There are many people at Jet2.com who are not customer facing and who work hard to ensure we meet our slot take-off times. We are absolutely thrilled to be officially voted the most punctual airline operating to one of the largest airports in Europe.

More.

"Although our passengers predominantly choose Jet2.com for our low fares to destinations across Europe, punctuality is a key issue for customers and this is particularly the case on business routes such as Amsterdam.

"Just as low cost doesn't mean no frills, it also doesn't mean we neglect things like customer service and timeliness and our business principals have been given a huge thumbs-up today."

Leon Verhallen, director of passenger airline marketing at Schiphol Airport, added: "Over 40 million passengers travel through Schiphol Airport every year and punctuality is a key requirement for the success of any carrier.

"Previous winners of the overall punctuality award have all been major carriers from the Nordic region. However, this year Jet2.com is the first UK carrier of any description to have even been nominated let alone win, which highlights its growing reputation on the continent."

Dart Group PLC announces that it will be purchasing six Boeing 737-300 passenger aircraft from receivers appointed by HSBC Bank Plc (Sydney Branch). The aircraft will be subject to a phased delivery schedule over the next six months.

After this purchase Dart's fleet of Boeing 737-300 aircraft will comprise 14 aircraft. This purchase will provide the necessary capacity to grow the Group's cargo and passenger operations. This investment is expected to make a positive contribution to Group profits in the 2004/05 financial year onwards.

The consideration, which will be financed in US Dollars, will be met from a combination of cash and new and existing bank facilities.

Dart Group PLC today announces that it will be purchasing two Boeing 737-300 aircraft. The aircraft will be delivered in February and March 2003. These aircraft were formerly operated by the Australian airline, Ansett.

After this purchase Dart's fleet of Boeing 737-300 aircraft will comprise eight aircraft, which are deployed on passenger and cargo charter contracts and on Jet2, its low cost airline operating out of Leeds Bradford International Airport.

The consideration will be met from both existing and new banking facilities.

Dart Group PLC, the aviation services and distribution group, announces today that trading to the end of January remained satisfactory and full year profits are anticipated to be in line with current market expectations.

Significant progress has been made in the amalgamation of the separate companies that currently comprise the Distribution Division into a single trading entity, which should be largely complete by 31 March 2003. The costs of this re-organisation are contained within the current market forecast.

In the Aviation Services Division the initial level of customer reservations in respect of its low cost airline, Jet2, has been encouraging. As a result of customer demand, on 3 January 2003, Jet2 announced that it would also be flying to Alicante, in addition to the six European business and leisure destinations already announced. Investors can find full details of the Jet2 operation on the company's website, www.jet2.com. The inaugural flight of Jet2 from Leeds Bradford to Amsterdam took place today.

Jet2 Goes 'Live' For Booking

Jet2 Yorkshire's own low cost airline ready for booking from 10.00am Wednesday 11th December

From 10.00am on the 11th of December the Jet2 website and call centre will be up and running to take bookings from passengers. In true low cost style, tickets will range from £15 one way to Amsterdam and £19 to hit the sunny climes of Southern Spain, Malaga. Prices include airport tax.

"Philip Meeson, Jet2's chief executive said, "With well over 22,000 hits on our website and over 12,000 people registered, the response from the region to the arrival of Jet2, has been phenomenal. We are confident, that we'll get off to a 'flying start'. So if you're thinking of a last minute Christmas present, or wanting to plan your summer holidays now, get booking."

The first new planes will be arriving at the airport this Wednesday. The distinctive logo and 'eye catching' silver colour of the aircraft will be an undoubted winner for plane spotters and travellers alike.

Ed Anderson, managing director of Leeds Bradford International Airport said, "Interest in this airline has been exceptional. The fact that people will be able to book low cost travel to so many popular destinations just in time for Christmas means that the people of the region can start to plan now for their Summer breaks."

To book flights call the Jet2 call centre
on 0870 737 8282 or log onto Jet2.com.

AVIATION DIVISION EXPANSION

Dart Group PLC, the aviation services and distribution group, announces that it will be expanding its Aviation Division's successful passenger operations to offer low cost passenger services from Leeds Bradford International Airport to European business and leisure destinations.

The Group has named the new low cost service "Jet 2" which will be operated by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Channel Express (Air Services), alongside its established contract passenger and cargo operations. This business will enable the Group to leverage its existing skill base and, in future, will also maximise the utilisation of its Boeing 737-300 "Quick Change" aircraft, which fly passenger services by day and cargo by night. The Group's management has been enhanced with further specialist passenger expertise. The Jet 2 service is seen as a natural extension of the Aviation Division's passenger operations, utilising both aircraft from the existing fleet and further Boeing 737-300 aircraft that will be acquired to support the expansion.

In the year to 31 March 2003, start up costs in the order of £2m will be incurred. In the first full year of operation, Jet 2 is forecast to be earnings neutral and become earnings enhancing thereafter. As an existing operating airline, the Group's Aviation Division already has the majority of the fixed cost structure to support this expansion which, therefore, should be viewed as incremental to the existing core operations.

Commenting, Philip Meeson, Chairman and Chief Executive, said "We are delighted to be working with Leeds Bradford International Airport which has a catchment area of 9.5 million people who are not adequately served by low cost carriers. It is my belief that JET 2 will be a significant contributor in the growth of the Group's profits in the years to come".

Dart Group PLC today announces that it has exchanged contracts for the purchase of four Boeing 737-300 aircraft. These aircraft were formerly operated by the Australian airline, Ansett, since new. They will be used to increase the capacity of the Group's B737 fleet of aircraft currently serving both the cargo and premium passenger market places.

The consideration will be satisfied from both new and existing bank facilities.

The new aircraft are expected to make a positive contribution to the long-term profitability of the Group from the 2003/04 financial year onwards.

Trading for the second half of the year ended 31st March 2002 was satisfactory and it is anticipated that the results due to be announced on 20th June 2002 will be in line with current market expectations.