Easyjet has today announced a new seven-year deal with Gatwick as it looks to grow its operation at Britain’s second busiest airport.
The airline said the certainty the agreement provides will enable them to improve the passenger experience by deploying larger aircraft and increasing its number of slots.
Easyjet also said the deal will create a framework to enable it to “plan and deliver an improved experience for passengers”.
“Gatwick is our largest base so it’s of strategic importance to secure this new agreement with Gatwick airport,” said Easyjet’s CEO Carolyn McCall.
“Our shared ambition is for Gatwick to be both our biggest and best airport.”
The airline said by the end of March 2015 it aims to increase capacity and passenger numbers by around 10 per cent compared to the previous year.
Gatwick’s CEO Stewart Wingate said this is a “landmark deal” in the airport’s history.
"Four years after the end of the BAA monopoly at the airport, this partnership highlights how far we have come to be able to operate within a new framework of commitments and contracts,” said Wingate.
"For passengers travelling with Easyjet, they will have more choice, competitive fares and an even better experience. It is positive news for both business and leisure passengers travelling with Easyjet from Gatwick."
Easyjet started flying from London Gatwick in 1999 and now has 57 aircraft based there, operating on 108 routes. The airline has around 1,400 cabin crew and 700 pilots operating from the airport.
Easyjet.co.uk