easyJet to expand at Manchester Airport

easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, and Manchester Airport, have today announced details of a new agreement that cements the airline’s commitment to further expansion at the Airport.

The agreement confirms that easyJet will increase its Manchester fleet over the coming years. This expansion has already commenced with the arrival of its sixth aircraft last Friday (27 May), and the seventh aircraft is due to arrive in Manchester in time for the 2012 summer season.

This reaffirms easyJet’s position as the North West’s largest airline and the region’s strategic importance in the easyJet network, due to its central location, strong business links and wide catchment area.

This additional aircraft capacity will enable easyJet to operate new services, which will complement its 26 existing business and leisure destinations; with potential new routes already being analysed. easyJet has recently announced plans to commence services from Manchester to Madrid, Berlin and Belfast from this Autumn.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director said, “Our new commitment to expansion at Manchester is a reflection of the level of support we have received from customers since our launch here in 2008. We currently offer 26 routes from Manchester which include business destinations such as Zurich, Amsterdam and Munich as well as popular leisure hotspots including Paphos, Tenerife and Marrakech.”

Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, added: “This announcement is very important for Manchester, being able to reach an agreement for the future with the likes of easyJet to secure that growth is a big step and one that confirms its commitment to Manchester and the North West region as a whole. This agreement will see more based aircraft at Manchester, equalling more destinations and further growth in the future. This is certainly a sign of things to come from easyJet, they are a very successful airline and very popular at Manchester and I’m sure that its success will continue here.”

easyJet launched at Manchester Airport in March 2008 following the acquisition of GB Airways, with five routes and currently carries approximately one million passengers through the base each year.

For more information or to book visit: easyJet.com