About Us

Aviation and Distribution - the origins of Dart Group PLC

Dart Group PLC has a long history in both aviation and distribution.

In 1971, Art Carpenter formed Carpenter's Air Services Ltd to fly flowers in contracted aircraft to the UK mainland from Guernsey. He also set up Carpenter's Transport Ltd to distribute the flowers on the UK mainland to wholesale markets. By 1980, these two companies had merged to become Express Air Services, which purchased its own Handley Page Dart Herald aircraft. Express Air Services flew and subsequently transported flowers, fresh produce and consumer goods between the Channel Islands and the UK via Bournemouth Airport. It also flew contracts for the Royal Mail to the Channel Islands from Bournemouth, Bristol and Liverpool.

In 1983, Express Air Services was purchased by the Group's current Chief Executive, Philip Meeson, and changed its name to Channel Express Group Ltd, to identify with its regional route. Three companies functioned as separate operations in the Channel Express Group, for airfreighting, the maintenance of two Dart Herald Aircraft, and road distribution within the UK.

Channel Express Group Ltd floated on the UK's Unlisted Securities Market (USM). By 1991, the company changed to its current name Dart Group PLC and was floated on the London Stock Exchange, before moving to AIM in 2005.

Current Operations

Today, Dart Group PLC’s commitment to both aviation and distribution continues, with our current business operations split across the following three major brands:

• Leisure Airlines – Jet2.com – the Group’s airline that provides scheduled leisure air services with „Friendly low fares” and charter flights. Its fleet of 47 aircraft operate from the airline’s base at Leeds Bradford Airport, as well as seven other airports across the North of the UK.
• Package Holidays – Jet2holidays – the Group’s ATOL bonded package holiday specialist providing „Package holidays you can trust”.
• Distribution & Logistics - Fowler Welch – the Group’s road distribution business. It is a national distributor of temperature controlled and ambient products to leading retailers and wholesale markets.

Structure and Governance

The Board of directors, who are responsible for the Group's strategy, manage the aviation, leisure and distribution interests of Dart Group PLC.

Our Board, remuneration committee, and audit committee ensure efficient corporate governance and good relations with our shareholders.

We take our corporate social responsibility very seriously and work hard to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise emissions.

We provide our colleagues with challenging and rewarding careers and involve them in the business through clear communication. We also ensure equal opportunities and a safe working environment at all times.