The base, which will open next March creating around 100 direct jobs and supporting 1,200 indirect roles, is the first UK base to open post-pandemic.
The move follows easyJet’s return to growth in the UK, where it will operate its biggest ever UK flying programme this summer, with around 8% more capacity than pre-pandemic. The airline will base three 186-seat A320 aircraft at Birmingham.
Commenting on the expansion plans, Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “We are delighted to be announcing our new base in Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city.
“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 our 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.”
This will be easyJet’s ninth base in the UK. The carrier already serves key domestic connections and international routes from Birmingham to popular beach and city destinations including Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan, Naples, Lisbon, Faro and Palma de Mallorca. The addition of more aircraft at the airport will enable the airline to further expand its network from Birmingham.
Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport (BHX), said: “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 success.”
Image: easyJet
