The airline’s new operation at Birmingham Airport will also create 140 jobs for pilots and crew, and support a further 1,200 indirect jobs, according to the carrier
EasyJet has announced the opening of its first new UK base in over 10 years, promising more flight options and potentially lower fares for passengers.
The new base at Birmingham Airport will also create 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew, and support an additional 1,200 indirect jobs, according to the airline. This is easyJet’s first new UK base since it opened at Southend Airport in 2012. Previously, easyJet operated flights to and from Birmingham Airport using planes based elsewhere.
Now, with three planes based at the West Midlands airport, the airline plans to launch 16 new routes this summer to destinations like Antalya in Turkey, the Greek island of Kos, and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. It will also increase frequencies on its existing network, resulting in more than 50% additional flights each week.
Speaking at a press conference at the airport, easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “This is going to provide a huge amount of additional connectivity, which not only will serve the holidays community, but also a very critical part of the business community as well.”
He added: “We are here to compete. Ultimately, the people who will take advantage of that is the consumers who will make sure they get great fares.”
Mr Lundgren said the airport has “much untapped potential” which will provide “the opportunity to grow further in future years”.
The airline boss said that there are “always fares wars going on” and added: “I think it’s great because it does give consumers a great opportunity to travel in a way that is not only for rich and privileged people. Our average fares across the network still sell for only £50.”
Nick Barton, who is in charge of Birmingham Airport, said: “Today sees our growing partnership with easyJet reach new heights as the airline bases three aircraft here at Birmingham Airport. Customers can now take advantage of the airline’s 16 new routes and have the flexibility of flight-only or a full package holiday.”
“EasyJet has been a partner airline for 17 years. Its expansion here at Birmingham Airport is testament to the service, quality, price, reliability and choice of destination that its customers have come to expect.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of West Midlands, was very happy about the news: “EasyJet’s decision to set up this new base at BHX (Birmingham Airport) will be warmly welcomed by thousands of holidaymakers across the West Midlands and beyond. The increase in destinations is not only great news for those heading off to the sun this summer but also for our business community, helping them forge new overseas trade links.”
To celebrate the opening of the new base, EasyJet asked Gent 48, a street artist, to make a special mural. The artwork shows “the best of Birmingham” and includes things from the city’s culture and traditions. Music star Ozzy Osbourne, the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah, and young fundraiser Ryan Hulance, who is just 11, have been honoured in the new piece of art.
Gent 48, also known as Josh Billingham, said: “There is far more to Birmingham than meets the eye. I hope that my latest work inspires visitors to look more closely at the incredible people and culture the city has to offer.”
