News

EasyJet operations chief resigns

EasyJet’s chief operating officer has stood down after less than three years.

The UK budget carrier said Peter Bellew had resigned “to pursue other business opportunities”.

The airline added that it was “committed to ensuring a smooth transition”.

EasyJet has borne the brunt of criticism for the level of flight cancellations and delays since Covid travel restrictions were lifted earlier in the year.

The carrier said in a statement that it remains “absolutely focused” on its daily operation and “continues to monitor this very closely, having taken pre-emptive action to build further resilience for the summer due to the current operating environment”. 

EasyJet continues to operate up to 1,700 flights a day, carrying up to 250,000 passengers.

David Morgan has been appointed to lead easyJet’s operations function as interim COO, reporting directly to chief executive Johan Lundgren. 

Morgan has been with the airline since 2016, including almost a year as interim COO in 2019 when he oversaw operations, delivering “significant improvements” in operational performance during that time.

Bellew joined the carrier just ahead of the pandemic in January 2020 after more than two years in an identical role at Ryanair and a spell as chief executive of Malaysia Airlines.   

Lundgren said: “I would like to thank Peter for his hard work and wish him well. 

“Everyone at easyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer.

“I am pleased that operations will be in the very capable hands of David Morgan who can move seamlessly into this role having previously led the operation, as interim chief operating officer, throughout 2019.

“David has significant experience and deep knowledge of the business and operation and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.