EasyJet unveils North West expansion
EasyJet is start flying from Manchester as well as deploying more aircraft from its base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The budget carrier claims the move will make it the biggest airline operating in the North West, carrying over four million passengers a year on around 40 routes in three years time.
The move into Manchester follows the takeover of GB Airways which has two aircraft based at the airport. EasyJet is to add a further three aircraft by 2010.
The expansion means that by 2010, easyJet will have 15 aircraft operating through the two principal airports in the North West, giving it access to a catchment area of some eight million people within a 60-minute drive.
GB Airways will continue to operate all routes under the British Airways brand until March 29.
After this, subject to regulatory approval, the GB flights will operate under the easyJet brand and all customers who have booked to travel with GB Airways next summer will be given the choice of flying with easyJet at the same times or else receive a refund.
By winter 2008, GB Airways will be fully integrated into the easyJet business model.
EasyJet people director Mike Campbell, who advised the staff in Manchester of the news, said: “EasyJet recognises the strong demand for low-cost convenient services from the North West, the GB operation at Manchester provides us with a great base on which we can build and tap in to a new market.
“EasyJet remains committed to our base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and by launching additional operations from Manchester, we can make it even easier for everyone in the North West to have access to easyJet services from their local airport, giving consumers the opportunity to explore Europe for less.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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