EasyJet has announced plans to establish a new base at London Southend Airport by March 2025. This development is expected to create approximately 130 new jobs.
The decision marks a significant expansion for EasyJet in the United Kingdom, adding to its existing nine bases across the country.
EasyJet Boosts Southend with Promising Job Opportunities
(Photo : Annika Ashley on Unsplash)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, London Southend Airport saw a dramatic decline in activity, with passenger numbers falling by 90% from 2.15 million in the 2019-20 period to just 147,000 in 2020-21.
At one point, the airport ceased all commercial flights.
However, the recent takeover by the private equity firm Carlyle as the majority shareholder promises a new phase of growth and stability for the airport.
EasyJet's expansion at Southend includes basing three A320neo aircraft, each with 186 seats, at the airport. BBC reported that this setup will allow EasyJet to introduce six new routes, including flights to destinations in Turkey and Tunisia.
The move is part of a broader strategy by EasyJet to enhance its service offerings and increase its flight operations, with more than 57 million seats planned for this year alone, marking a 10% increase over the previous year.
The new base is not just significant for EasyJet but also for the region.
John Upton, CEO of London Southend Airport, highlighted the importance of this expansion for local travelers. It offers more travel options through an airport that is known for its convenience and connectivity.
This initiative by EasyJet underscores its commitment to the UK market, where it currently serves 56% of its passengers, demonstrating its role as a leading airline in the region.
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Pilots Consider Strike, Summer Travel Could Be Disrupted
Pilots from the budget airline EasyJet are contemplating a strike after rejecting a recent pay offer. This move has heightened concerns about potential disruptions during the busy summer holiday season. The pilots, represented by the Balpa union, could choose a peak travel day to strike, maximizing their leverage in ongoing negotiations with the airline.
As per Mirror, the potential strike comes after pilots voted against the proposed pay deal, prompting union officials and EasyJet executives to resume talks.
Despite the tensions, both Balpa and EasyJet have expressed hope that a strike can be avoided. The union must provide EasyJet with at least 14 days' notice before any industrial action, which limits options for travelers to alter their holiday plans.
EasyJet, in a recent statement, expressed disappointment over the pilots' rejection of the pay deal but remains committed to constructive dialogue to prevent strike action.
According to Balpa General Secretary Amy Leversidge, a significant majority of pilots participated in the vote, with 56.4% opposing the offer. The airline had proposed significant raises for its pilots by next April, which were not agreed upon.
This looming industrial action could mark the first major strike by EasyJet pilots in the UK in recent years. Their Spanish counterparts had previously staged a walkout in August 2022 over similar issues.
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