easyJet and Bristol airport agree new long-term deal
19-Nov-2013 Bristol Airport and easyJet have entered into a new five year agreement that confirms the continued growth of the UK's largest airline at the South West's leading airport.
easyJet commenced services at Bristol in 2002 following the acquisition of the airline Go. At that time, Bristol was handling a total of 3.9 million passengers each year. Today, Bristol Airport handles more than six million passengers each year with easyJet itself flying around 3.3 million passengers per annum to and from the airport. The new contract provides a framework for further expansion and new route opportunities.
The agreement has already resulted in the addition of two new destinations to easyJet's network from Bristol, with flights to Reykjavik and Marrakech launching in December. Together the new flights are expected to carry over 55,000 passengers during the first 12 months of operation.
Ali Gayward, Commercial Manager for easyJet, said:
"We are pleased to confirm a new long term deal with Bristol Airport which will allow easyJet to grow and introduce exciting new destinations such as Reykjavik and Marrakech. Bristol remains our largest UK operation outside London and we are committed to providing travellers across the South West with easy, affordable fares whether they are travelling for business or leisure."
Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Airport, said:
"Our partnership with easyJet has played an incredibly important role in the development of Bristol Airport over the last decade and this agreement demonstrates both parties' continued commitment to working together to provide passengers in our catchment area with access to a great range of destinations at very affordable prices. It is also great news for passengers across the South West and South Wales who can continue to enjoy access to the easyJet network without having to travel to airports outside the region."
easyJet is the largest airline operating from Bristol with up to 11 Airbus aircraft based at the Airport, 420 staff employed locally and 46 destinations served - the airline's widest selection of routes at any UK airport outside London.
Bristol Airport is the UK's fifth largest airport outside London and the ninth largest in the UK, handling 5.9 million passengers in 2012. It is the only airport in the UK's top ten to see growth each year since the end of 2009. In August 2013, the Airport recorded the busiest month in its history, handling over 700,000 passengers.
Planning permission is in place to develop and enhance facilities to handle 10 million passengers per annum and development commenced on the first of more than 30 separate component projects - the construction of three new aircraft stands - in November 2011. A £6.5 million central walkway structure is currently under construction and, when completed in summer 2014, will ease departure lounge congestion and significantly enhance the passenger experience.