GOis to boost frequencies from Stansted this winter as it battles for market share with rival low-cost carriers. The British Airways budget airline is also studying options for establishing a second European base.
On November 1, services to Edinburgh rise to seven daily from the current five; Copenhagen, Milan and Munich flights go to four-a-day from three; and Madrid services rise to three from twice daily.
The new daily Stansted-Barcelona flight, which starts on September 23, will also be increased to double-daily in November.
Chief executive Barbara Cassani said she was also considering doubling the frequency of Prague services after they are launched alongside the Barcelona flights.
She said the airline was also looking at new routes. “The final analysis is being prepared,” she said.
Cassani refused to say what new cities were being considered, but said the low-cost market in Germany, Italy and France was still under-developed. These countries are included in Go’s study of where it will set up a new base. Cassani said the new hub could be in the UK.
Summer-only services to Ibiza, Alicante and Palma end on September 22 to allow the new flights to Prague and Barcelona.
Cassani said the increase in Go’s European network was not being done to take over from BA’s own short-haul business. “BA wants to reduce capacity from Europe on flights transferring passengers to long-haul services,” she said. “Not on the point-to-point market.”
Go’s plans were unveiled as it reported a pre-tax loss of £19.95m in the 17 months it has been in operation to March 31.
Cassani said: “The loss was in line with what we expected.” BA set up Go with £25m, aiming for profit within three years.