EasyJet has secured the first Ministry of Defence contract with a budget airline to fly all ranks of personnel at discounted rates across its domestic and European network.
The carrier is to give “substantial discounts” to its excess baggage charges for travelling military staff in a scheme managed by Hogg Robinson Group. This aspect was identified as an important need as man servicemen and women often travel with large amounts of luggage including kit bags, according to easyJet.
Saying the deal “recognises the Government’s significant buying power”, the airline hopes to secure travel deals with other government departments as well as with private sector companies. The value of the deal was undisclosed.
The airline expects to carry more than 50,000 MoD passengers a year with key destinations including Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gibraltar and Larnaca.
Chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “This new partnership will deliver huge benefits and cost savings for the Ministry of Defence, who in this current economic climate are under enormous pressure to deliver savings for the taxpayer.
“EasyJet’s aim is to make travel easy and affordable and this new partnership is the first of what we hope will be a series of deals with public and private organisations secured by EasyJet’s new corporate sales force.”
Head of Defence Travel Lt Colonel Mike Holmes added: “The Ministry of Defence recognise the value that EasyJet offers, and today’s new partnership represents an excellent opportunity to drive out more efficiencies through smarter procurement.
“The MoD is constantly seeking to identify new business initiatives that will help generate savings and offer better value for money to the customer. This new partnership is the first of its kind with any low cost carrier and we are delighted with the positive approach that EasyJet has adopted.”