Easyjet expands with 130-job Newcastle Airport base

A budget airline has announced a 130-job North East base.

Easyjet is opening a three-aircraft hub at Newcastle Airport.

The carrier says the site – set to begin operations in March next year – will create 130 pilot, crew and engineer jobs, and support another 1200 supply chain roles.

Bosses add it will “support vital connectivity outside London… by serving an extensive catchment across the North of England and Southern Scotland”.

The hub – which follows similar Easyjet openings at London Southend and Birmingham International Airport – will also build on the airline’s existing presence at Newcastle, from where it delivers flights to destinations including Alicante, Amsterdam, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca and Paris.

Kenton Jarvis, Easyjet chief executive, said: “This not only consolidates our position as the UK’s largest leisure airline, but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region.

“It will play an important role in enabling vital economic growth for the UK.” 

Nick Jones, Newcastle Airport chief executive, added: “The new base will further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Easyjet, and we’re excited about the opportunities it will bring to the airport and the wider region.”

The move was also welcomed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness, who said the “brilliant” move will significantly strengthen the region’s tourism and business markets.

She added: “The new base will provide more destinations for holidaymakers, create jobs and help businesses grow and connect with global markets. 

“It further strengthens the airport’s position as a major gateway to the world.”

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