Luxtripper administration extended Ian Taylor


The administrators of Luxtripper have extended the administration by a further 12 months as they “continue investigations into the affairs of the company”. The luxury tour operator failed in


October 2023 despite its Atol being renewed only a month earlier. Joint administrators Chris


Farrington and Simon Jagger of Care of Restructuring and Recovery Service (Rrs) S&W Partners sought the extension in September and issued a progress report, made available this month, noting they have engaged law firm Squire Patton Boggs to aid in “the continuing investigations”. They reported creditor claims


worth more than £8.2 million in August, noting “this is likely to increase”, although they have received no new claims since. The administrators have


previously noted that in October 2023 Luxtripper’s cash position “had deteriorated to the extent that salaries could not be paid” and that it had been “in distress” since April 2023. Yet the CAA renewed Luxtripper’s Atol in September 2023 on the basis of accounts showing a near £1.1 million profit for the 12 months to March. This was due to £3.6 million in


‘intangible assets’ – up from £600,000 in the 2021 accounts. When these assets were independently assessed after Luxtripper ceased trading they were valued at £36,000, although they were subsequently sold for £115,000.


Jet2 and easyJet plot modest capacity increases next year


Samantha Mayling


Jet2 and easyJet have sounded a note of caution about summer 2026 capacity, despite reporting strong financial results. In its results for the year to


September, easyJet upgraded profit targets for its in-house tour operation on the back of a 32% rise in annual profits. EasyJet holidays contributed


£250 million as its parent reported a 9% rise in pre-tax profits to £665 million. Revenue at easyJet holidays rose 27% to £1.4 billion, and


4 27 NOVEMBER 2025


customers increased by 20% to more than three million. EasyJet holidays aims to increase


sales by 15% in the 12 months to September 2026 – but easyJet plans only a 2% increase in seat capacity next summer following a 4% rise year on year for this winter. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis


explained the more cautious approach to next summer saying: “We’re not yet back to the level of winter flying we had before the pandemic. We restored our summer flying more quickly.” Last week, Jet2 reported a record


six-month period, but chief executive Steve Heapy said capacity next year,


excluding its newest base at Gatwick, is up by 5%, “so a very modest capacity increase”. “I think capacity increases in the


market will also be low,” he added. “It’s looking like the market next year will only be slightly bigger than this year.” The UK’s largest tour operator


saw carryings rise by 750,000 (6%) to more than 14 million in the six months to September. Half-year pre-tax profits edged up


by 1% year on year to £800 million as group revenues rose by 5% to £5.34 billion. For summer 2026, Jet2 said capacity growth will be focused on its new Gatwick base with


The administrators


note there are “a number of matters” requiring “further investigations”


Affordable Luxury Travel parent


Moresand acquired Luxtripper’s trademarks and domain names in June this year. Luxtripper provided an Atol bond for £458,475 yet owes more than £5 million to consumers in addition to £2.7 million to trade creditors and £930,000 to industry lenders. The administrators have


previously warned there will be no payout to unsecured creditors.


They note there are “a number


of matters” requiring “further investigations”, with a creditor – assumed to be the CAA acting on behalf of the Air Travel Trust – providing funding “to cover costs associated with these ongoing matters”. The administrators note both


“the volume of information” received from creditors and the “significant” time spent “attempting to reconcile customer bookings and references on the booking system” in their latest report. The administration has already


been extended once. Its extension into a third year contrasts with the failure of specialist agency Wonderluxe Travel, which went into voluntary liquidation in August and was dissolved this month.


Excluding its new base at Gatwick,


Jet2 is increasing capacity for summer 2026 by a ‘modest’ 5%


more than 900,000 seats available. The results statement noted: “We


remain conscious of the economic backdrop. Accordingly, we have chosen to exercise capacity discipline at our existing bases with measured growth of 3.9%.” Commenting on rival Jet2 opening


at Gatwick next March, Jarvis said: “It’s good. Jet2 has a strong hold throughout the UK and easyJet holidays has grown from nothing to 10% market share in three years while competing with them. They will have just under 3% of the market at


Gatwick compared with our 44%.” i Jet2 results, page 46


travelweekly.co.uk


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