easyJet opens first new UK base in over a decade
easyJet has opened its newest UK base at Birmingham Airport, creating 140 jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting 1,200 jobs in total.
It’s the airline’s ninth UK base and first new base in more than a decade and it has already more than tripled the airline’s share of the leisure market at Birmingham this summer compared to last year.
Not only will the new aircraft help support vital UK domestic connectivity outside of London, but each UK-based aircraft directly supports 400 jobs and £27m UK GVA considering direct, indirect and induced impacts.
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “We are excited to open our newest base at Birmingham today, providing more choice, competition and connectivity as well as supporting over 1,200 jobs for the region.
“This base is enabling us to unlock the opportunity of the strong demand which exists for both leisure and business travel, as well as further grow our share of the package holiday market.
“We see much untapped potential at the airport providing the opportunity to grow further in future years.”
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport (BHX), 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.
“We are looking forward to working with easyJet to further grow its destination list for our customers.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “easyJet’s decision to set up this new base at BHX 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.
“easyJet’s decision is also a vote of confidence in Birmingham Airport and the people working in our aviation industry. The new base will support hundreds of jobs and help the airport to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
