UK’s biggest airline makes major investment at Birmingham Airport

easyJet is set to open a base for three of its aircraft at Birmingham Airport, which will create around 100 direct jobs.

Pilots and crew will be recruited thanks to the investment by the UK’s biggest airline, with 1,200 jobs in the West Midlands being indirectly supported.

The airline says by basing three of its 186-seat A320 aircraft at BHX will expand its offering for both business and leisure customers flying out of the Midlands travel hub.

Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: “Having already served Birmingham for many years, the decision to open a base and grow at the airport now is testament to the strong demand we see, coupled with the importance of the UK market in supporting our profitable growth. 

“The UK is easyJet’s largest market with 55% of all easyJet passengers flying to and from UK airports so this move will not only reinforce our leadership position as the UK’s largest airline, but also demonstrates our confidence in the resilient strength of demand for travel, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares.”

Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport (BHX), said: “This landmark investment by easyJet is a huge vote of confidence in the West Midlands.

“Basing three aircraft at BHX will create many more jobs for local people and many more options for customers.

“Years of hard work have led to this. Together we look forward to years of future success.”