London Luton airport has signed a new 10-year deal with Easyjet, which could see new routes added and increased frequency on existing services.
The agreement is expected to double the number of Easyjet passengers using the airport to more than nine million a year.
Easyjet has 15 aircraft based at the airport with plans to increase its capacity by around 20 per cent over the next year.
Easyjet’s CEO Carolyn McCall said the “substantial” deal will enable the airline to double its size at London Luton over the next decade and add a greater range of business destinations.
“Their financial investment and long-term commitment to developing London-Luton were a key factor in agreeing to this new deal and will help us deliver our plans.”
McCall said the speed of Easyjet’s plans is part reliant on government approval of London Luton’s expansion scheme. She said the airport aims to increase capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers a year.
The deal was approved last year by Luton Borough Council but the decision is currently being reviewed by communities secretary Eric Pickles.
By the time the work is complete in 2026, the airport will have 20 passenger screening lanes, nine luggage reclaim belts and increased retail and seating areas are being proposed to meet the potential rise in passenger numbers.
London Luton airport’s managing director, Glyn Jones, said: “Easyjet is our largest airline partner, accounting for 45 per cent of all passengers using the airport. We see this as a real vote of confidence in London Luton airport and its future.
The deal will also see the creation of 2,500 new jobs at the airport and surrounding region.
Easyjet.com