A couple were in shock as they were handed free Jet2 flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Kim and Gary Jenkins, from Woolton, were among the first ten people to check in with Jet2 at the airport on Thursday morning, which meant they won free return flights. It came as the airline's first flight departed from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Tenerife at 8am.
Kim told the ECHO: "We always go to Manchester but we were delighted when they said they were coming to Liverpool. We didn't realise it was the launch day today so when we got to the airport we were quite shocked and because we were one the first 10 customers to check in, we got free return flights for two any time from now up until like next March.
"It was a nice surprise. It's going to be a great thing for our city, all the jobs its generated. The customer service is great and today has been exceptional because it's the launch day, but when we normally fly with them Jet2 it's always fantastic the customer service."
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The ECHO was invited behind-the-scenes before the first flight departed and ECHO photographer Andrew Teebay was also on hand to capture brilliant moments of Merseyside holidaymakers, staff and the celebrations. Last May, it was announced that the airline and holiday provider would start operating services from the airport in March 2024, with 20 destinations on offer - seven being exclusive to Jet2, bringing new routes to the city.
Jet2 has also since confirmed it will also take travellers to European Christmas markets from Liverpool for the first time ever, with flights and city breaks, including Krakow and
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