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EasyJet adds summer capacity from Southend airport

EasyJet is raising capacity from Southend airport during the summer peak.

The budget carrier has put “thousands” of additional seats on sale to Paris and Palma.

The airline will operate an extra Sunday service to Paris Charles de Gaulle between July and August in addition to summer flights on Mondays and Fridays.

An extra Thursday flight is being added to Palma between June 27 and October 24 to give up to eight  flights a week to Majorca during the summer.

The expansion comes as the airport changes ownership, with US private equity group Carlyle set to take control after current owner Esken agreed a deal to settle a debt.

As part of the deal with Carlyle and global investment firm Cyrus Capital Partners, £32 million of new funding will be released in a bid to “secure the airport’s future growth”.  

Airport chief executive John Upton said the investors have extensive industry experience and “deep knowledge” of Southend airport.

He told the Southend Echo that airport is “ideally placed” to serve airlines who are looking to grow their London operations.

In a statement, Carlyle and Cyrus Capital said they were “excited” to work with the airport’s management team.

Referring to the additional EasyJet capacity, Upton said: “This increase not only enhances connectivity but also provides travellers with more convenient options to explore these two vibrant destinations. 

“London Southend is committed to continually developing and evolving the travel experience for our passengers, and this expansion is a testament to that dedication.

“The addition of these EasyJet services also indicates that demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia region is still in full flight, and they now have greater opportunities to travel from our airport. 

“Our dedicated on-site rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, London with connections to the Elizabeth Line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.”

EasyJet country manager Ali Gayward added: “We are delighted to be increasing our flying across our routes from London Southend to Paris and Majorca this summer, providing customers more convenient, direct connections. 

“Paris is proving popular with those looking for a city break or travelling for business, and the increase in frequency of our flights to Majorca from the airport provides additional options for customers’ summer holidays with more choice and great value fares.”

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