21 May 2002

Easyjet and Go merger will drive NI fares down

EasyJet’s £374 million purchase of Go-fly will bring flights to new destinations from Northern Ireland at affordable fares officials at Belfast International Airport have said today.

The merger of the two low cost airlines will see the combined company carrying close to 40% of all passengers on scheduled services to and from Northern Ireland once the amalgamation is completed.

EasyJet have confirmed that a passenger base of this size will make routes possible from Northern Ireland which have never been served before.

“This merger will be used to drive fares down further, not increase them,” Judith Steele, NI market manager for easyJet said. “As the flag carriers look to reduce fares to compete, we intend to show just how our much lower cost base can result in some unbelievably low fares.”

The enlarged easyJet group will retain Go’s Belfast routes to Stansted and Bristol and predicts no reduction in the number or frequency of flights. But the availability of the lowest fares across a wider range of flight times will increase with both Scottish routes in common ownership.

In the short-term, both airlines will continue their separate operations, with the process of integration into easyJet beginning in early summer.

“Passengers have nothing to fear from this merger and everything to gain,” Judith Steele added. “The merger process is well planned and we’ll keep our passengers informed all the way. By combining the strengths of both companies, the end result will be low-cost service at its very best.”

Belfast International Airport welcomed the acquisition announcement. Albert Harrison, Managing Director, Belfast International Airport, said: “EasyJet have shown a strong commitment to the Northern Ireland market and in turn have received loyal support from the NI public. Between them easyJet and Go currently offer a broad coverage of UK regional destinations, and the acquisition of Go provides obvious opportunities for easyJet to develop further services within the UK and to mainland Europe.”

(AMcE)