Stansted has struck a deal with no-frills giant Easyjet to double capacity from the Essex airport.
The airport, which was purchased by Manchester Airports Group earlier this year, announced a framework deal with Easyjet today (June 13).
The agreement will allow Easyjet, based at Luton airport, to double passenger numbers at Stansted from its current 2.8 million per year to six million per year over the next five years. MAG added that it hoped the move would “facilitate an increase in the number of business travellers using Stansted”.
The move will be seen as a challenge to Easyjet’s arch-rival Ryanair, which is the biggest operator at Stansted but has been cutting capacity due to a long-running row over fees charged by the airport’s former owner BAA.
Although Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary hinted last month that it could begin adding capacity at Stansted subject to reaching a deal with the airport.
Easyjet currently operates eight aircraft from Stansted serving 27 destinations including new services to Bulgaria, Morocco and Egypt.
MAG chief executive Charlie Cornish said: “We are delighted that Easyjet has chosen Stansted. We’re working hard with existing and prospective airlines to drive passenger growth at Stansted so today’s announcement by Easyjet on the new framework for growth is a positive first step.”
Paul Simmons, Easyjet’s UK director, added: “We are pleased to have reached a new deal with the new owners of Stansted which gives us the ability to grow at the London airport.”
stanstedairport.com
easyjet.com