Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
easyJet Launches New Base at London Southend Airport, Expanding Flight Options
Budget airline easyJet has declared the opening of a new operational base at London Southend Airport, significantly boosting its flight network. The carrier will operate 122 weekly flights across 22 routes from the Essex airport, providing 330,000 seats for passengers seeking travel across Europe and North Africa.
Extensive New Flight Routes to European and North African Destinations
From London Southend Airport, easyJet will introduce services to a range of new destinations. These include popular Spanish locations such as Reus and Gran Canaria, along with Tenerife.
Further expanding its network, the airline will also offer flights to:
- Marrakech
- Antalya
- Almeria
- Pisa
- Dalaman
- Endfidha
- Malta
Significant Job Creation with New Airport Base
Gary Wilson, CEO of easyJet holidays, stated that the establishment of the London Southend base, offering flights and package holidays to 20 destinations, will enhance customer choice and value. He also emphasized the crucial support for UK connectivity and employment as the airline prepares for a peak summer season.
easyJet’s commitment involves stationing three A320neo aircraft at London Southend, generating approximately 1,200 jobs. This includes 140 positions for pilots and cabin crew, offering a considerable boost to the local economy.
Airport CEO Welcomes easyJet’s Investment
Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, hailed the opening of easyJet’s tenth base as a landmark moment for both the airport and the surrounding community. She highlighted the creation of 1,200 jobs in the region, including 140 new airport positions, as a reflection of positive growth leading into what is anticipated to be the airport’s busiest summer in six years.
Winter Flight Expansion to Barcelona, Lanzarote and Salzburg
Beyond the summer schedule, easyJet is poised to broaden its winter offerings from Southend Airport, introducing new routes to key winter destinations including Barcelona, Lanzarote, and Salzburg.
easyJet’s Return to Southend After Pandemic Withdrawal
The budget airline had previously ceased operations from London Southend in August 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic. This move marks easyJet’s return to the airport, following the earlier withdrawal of Ryanair and Wizz Air, which had temporarily halted flight operations at Southend.