our history
founding
JetÉire was founded on August 23, 2011, and quickly became one of the most prominent names in virtual aviation. Originally inspired by Aer Lingus, the airline was rebranded early on to avoid copyright concerns. In its infancy, JetÉire rapidly gained popularity, expanding its fleet and setting the groundwork for what would become one of the largest virtual airlines in the industry.
Operations began with the Airbus A320, which conducted daily flights from Dublin. At the time, the airport was aging, and rumors circulated about a more modern facility coming into operation. By early 2012, JetÉire announced a major upgrade, introducing a next-generation fleet and unveiling a newly constructed Dublin International Airport—setting a new standard for realism and functionality. The improved airport played a pivotal role in JetÉire’s growth, allowing it to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and further strengthening its position.
JetÉire’s long-standing legacy is a testament to its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
changing trajectories
This upward trajectory was disrupted in April 2012 when Dublin International Airport was leaked onto public free models. The incident sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, prompting concerns about security and unauthorized distribution. The individual responsible, DrShrink, triggered widespread fear among airlines, leading to a lockdown that temporarily halted growth. Many aviation groups, including JetÉire and RoAir, faced member losses and operational setbacks. The incident was so severe that JetÉire’s original founder decided to step away from the airline. Leadership transitioned, marking the beginning of a recovery phase.
Under new management, JetÉire gradually restored stability, introducing an improved A320 model and resuming flights during the summer. By late 2012, the airline had regained its footing, launching JÉ Regional—a subdivision focused on short-haul routes between Ireland and the UK. The momentum carried into early 2013, a year that brought fresh innovations and significant milestones. Aviation itself experienced a surge in popularity, and JetÉire thrived alongside its counterparts, including RoAir. However, tensions were rising with Air Attica, an airline whose leadership was rumored to have historical ties to JetÉire’s origins.
pushing onwards
Despite setbacks, JetÉire pressed forward, unveiling its new Airbus A330 by Easter 2013. The aircraft’s upgraded design and onboard bar drew widespread praise, marking a turning point as flights resumed with renewed confidence. By summer, JetÉire was chosen to host the ROBLOX International Air Show and other major aviation events. The airline continued to expand, solidifying its dominance in the sector. However, this period was not without turbulence. A rise in operational difficulties led to frustration among passengers, forcing JetÉire to introduce new aircraft designs—including the highly anticipated Boeing 777-200ER—and update operational policies to improve service consistency.
The final months of 2013 saw the 777 enter service with great success, proving itself to be a reliable long-haul aircraft. However, as the airline continued using the model, performance issues emerged, including stability concerns that affected operations. These challenges mirrored those experienced with the earlier 777-300ER, leading to adjustments before the aircraft was retired in February 2014. Around the same time, internal debates over aviation equality resulted in the cancellation of annual awards ceremonies, adding further instability to the airline’s leadership structure.
an airline refresh
Early 2014 saw JetÉire introduce a refreshed livery, which was met with widespread enthusiasm. Aircraft were redesigned to feature grey undersides instead of white, and registration details were added to enhance authenticity. The airline also implemented a new naming convention, assigning the prefix "Clipper" to aircraft such as Clipper Ratoath (A320-200). However, despite these improvements, JetÉire faced stiff competition from newer, emerging airlines. With operational issues piling up, the airline struggled to adapt to changing industry dynamics.
A major turning point arrived in late 2016 when management transitioned once more, ushering in a complete rebrand, accompanied by fleet upgrades and airport refurbishments. The 777 and A320 interiors were completely redesigned, and older aircraft models were reintroduced with updated liveries. Dublin Airport was rebuilt as JetÉire’s primary hub, supplemented by additional facilities such as Derry. This reinvention helped the airline regain momentum, culminating in its membership surpassing 10,000 by July 2018.
into the future
In 2021, JetÉire marked a decade of operation with a major celebration, honoring its legacy as one of the most influential virtual airlines. The event featured retrospectives on the airline’s journey, fleet showcases, and a grand flight attended by a large number of participants. It was a moment to reflect on JetÉire’s evolution—from its humble beginnings to reaching over 10,000 members—while also reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence.
As JetÉire looks ahead, it continues to refine its operations, expand its fleet, and introduce new experiences that push the boundaries of virtual aviation. the airline remains dedicated to setting new standards and ensuring its legacy endures well into the future.
More details can be found in the jetÉire wiki.