EasyJet has today announced significant growth plans for the UK market. The airline is establishing a new three-aircraft base at London Southend Airport starting next March.
This investment creates roughly 130 direct pilot and crew jobs and fosters many more indirect opportunities.
London Southend Airport will officially become easyJet’s tenth UK operational base.
Expansion in UK Market
The move signals EasyJet’s continued commitment to the UK, following the recent launch of a Birmingham base.
The UK is their largest market, with over half (56%) of passengers flying to and from UK airports. This expansion aligns with EasyJet’s strategy to capitalize on key growth opportunities within its network.
To meet surging consumer demand, EasyJet is set to operate more UK flights than ever before this year.
With over 57 million seats available, this represents a 10% increase compared to last year. Additionally, 70 new routes have been launched from the UK, showcasing EasyJet’s dedication to providing travelers with a wider selection.
10th UK Base With 3 Based Aircraft
By establishing a 10th UK base with three modern 186-seat A320neo aircraft at London Southend, EasyJet strengthens its network and positions itself as the preferred carrier for UK travelers.
This strategic move allows them to capture the ongoing travel boom.
London Southend Airport has been ranked the best London airport by consumer group Which? six times and voted the best UK airport (under three million capacity) by the Airport Operator’s Association in 2019.
Serving close to 2.3 million passengers in 2019, the airport offered services to around 40 domestic and European cities.
London Southend Airport already features popular beach and city destinations like Amsterdam, Geneva, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Since commencing operations in 2012, EasyJet has flown over seven million passengers from this airport.
The planned addition of these new aircraft facilitates the launch of six exciting routes: Pisa, Gran Canaria, Dalaman, Antalya, Marrakech, and Enfidha in Tunisia.
EasyJet holidays will also be available for purchase from tomorrow, offering package deals from London Southend with departures starting May 1st, 2025. Flight bookings will be available in the coming months.
Stakeholder Comments
Johan Lundgren, CEO of EasyJet said, “We are thrilled to announce this new three-aircraft base at London Southend Airport.”
“This expansion will create hundreds of jobs and provide more choices for our customers through new routes and package holidays. Our continued growth and investment in the UK highlight the market’s importance.”
“This year, we’ll operate more flights than ever before, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, extensive network, and fantastic value.”
John Upton, CEO of London Southend Airport also gave comment, saying, “We’re delighted to welcome an EasyJet base.”
“This move supports and creates hundreds of local jobs while offering convenient connections to popular leisure and city destinations. Passengers can begin their holidays sooner at London Southend and enjoy our award-winning terminal experience.”
“Our dedicated on-site rail station boasts excellent connections, including a short journey from central London and easy access to the Elizabeth Line.”
EasyJet’s UK Presence
EasyJet, the UK’s largest leisure airline, currently employs over 10,000 people across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
With this expansion, they now have 10 UK bases: London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, and the new addition, London Southend.
Founded nearly 30 years ago in the UK, EasyJet has flown over 800 million passengers and is on track to operate 100 million annual seats this year.
They currently serve 21 UK airports, offering over 500 routes from the UK to more than 120 destinations across 30 countries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
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