EasyJet is to increase it operations at Manchester Airport under a new agreement that it says will cement its position as the north west’s largest airline.
A sixth aircraft started services from the airport last Friday and a seventh will join the Manchester fleet in time for next summer.
The carrier said the agreement with the airport will see it increase capacity over coming years adding to the existing 26 destinations it current serves from Manchester with potential new routes being investigated.
EasyJet said “this reaffirms its position as the north west’s largest airline and the region’s strategic importance in the easyJet network, due its central location, strong business links and wide catchment area”.
EasyJet 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 first started flying from Manchester Airport in March 2008 following the acquisition of GB Airways, operating five routes and currently carries around one million passengers through the base each year.