31/03/2014

EasyJet To Create 2,500 Jobs

easyJet has agreed a new 10 year deal with London Luton Airport which could see the airline more than double its size at the airport from four to nine million passengers a year.

The expansion would also see the creation of 2,500 new jobs at the airport and in the surrounding region.

easyJet has 15 aircraft based at London Luton, its second largest London base, and plans to grow its capacity by around 20% over the next year - adding new business and leisure routes and increasing frequencies on some of its existing 39 routes from London Luton.

Carolyn McCall, chief executive of easyJet, said: "This is a substantial, long term deal with London Luton Airport – our first base and the airline’s home – which will enable us to double our size at London Luton in the next decade and add an even greater range of business and leisure destinations. We are looking forward to working with the airport, and the new concession owners Ardian and AENA. Their financial investment and long term commitment to developing London Luton were a key factor in our agreeing to this new deal and will help us deliver our plans.

"The speed of easyJet's expansion at London Luton is in part reliant on the airport’s plans for much-needed improvements being approved. Those improvements will unlock the airport's potential by improving the customer experience of the airport while also increasing the numbers of passengers flying to and from London Luton. This will in turn drive economic growth and jobs for the region.

"London Luton can make a real and immediate contribution to the need for more airport capacity in the South East. It currently serves almost 10 million passengers a year and if the expansion plans are given the go-ahead would be able to grow to 18 million in the coming years – using the existing runway but with huge improvements to the rest of the airport’s infrastructure.

"This demonstrates that our industry can make the best use of existing capacity in the South East of England before any new runway is built."

(CD)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 October 2005
London Luton plans 'Olympic' runway
London's Luton Airport is to get a new runway and terminal building if plans for the long-term development of the airport get the go-ahead from planners. The plan has been advanced as Luton Airport's present facilities will reach capacity inside the next few years.
08 September 2014
Luton Airport Evacuated Following Security Alert
Luton Airport has been evacuated after a suspicious object was found in the security search area. All incoming flights have been suspended and the road to the airport has also been closed by police. A statement from the airport said: "The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.
08 May 2009
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
23 April 2004
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
10 December 2014
Man Arrested On Terrorism Offences
A man has been arrested in Luton on suspicion of fundraising and inciting terrorism overseas, it has been reported. The Metropolitan Police said the 35-year-old has been taken into custody in London. Searches are now being carried out at three properties; two are in east London and the third is in Luton.