EasyJet opening new base at Newcastle Airport

Basing three aircraft, it says it will support around 1,200 UK jobs in total.

The base opening will enable easyJet to expand its network from Newcastle and serve an extensive catchment area across the North of England and Southern Scotland.

The company already offers flights and holidays on eight routes from Newcastle to popular beach and city destinations Alicante, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Bristol and Belfast.

A range of new routes and package holidays for next summer are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

It will mark the 11th UK airport base for easyJet.

It signals continued growth in the UK for the airline, having already launched a base at London Southend in March and at Birmingham International Airport last year.

In addition, seven additional aircraft have joined its UK fleet this summer.

The UK is easyJet’s largest market with 56% of all easyJet customers flying to and from UK airports.

The airline is set to operate its biggest ever UK flying programme this summer with over 33 million seats – half a million more than last year.

Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s CEO, said: “The UK is an important market, and we are excited to be opening yet another UK base, in Newcastle, driven by the demand for our flights and package holidays.”

“This will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region.”

“It’s clear that holidays are increasing in importance and more than ever are a priority for UK consumers.”

EasyJet currently employs over 14,000 people across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.