easyJet in Glasgow expansion
easyJet, said it is bringing more low-fares to Scotland by adding four new direct European routes from Glasgow. The daily new routes to Alicante, Berlin (Schönefeld) and Malaga, in addition to the weekly Palma flight, will bring the number of destinations served by easyJet to nine and will increase the capacity at its Glasgow base by 19%. The airline expects to carry almost 300,000 passengers on these routes in the next 12 months.
Earlier this year easyJet announced it would be converting Edinburgh and Glasgow to solely Airbus operations this summer, replacing the current fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft with brand new Airbus 319s.
Toby Nicol, easyJet Communications Director commented:
'easyJet is delighted to be bringing these four new routes from Glasgow to Alicante, Berlin, Malaga and Palma. Germany's capital Berlin is a thriving and exciting city, which is ideal for business passengers and for weekend breaks, whilst the popular sun destinations of Alicante, Malaga and Palma are perfect for holiday-makers and second home owners.
These direct routes are not only advantageous for Scots on business and leisure but will also bring economic benefit to Scotland by encouraging German tourists to the region.
Stephen Baxter, Managing Director of BAA Scotland, personally led BAA's negotiations with easyJet. He said:
"We hope today's announcement marks the beginning of a longer term expansion of easyJet's international services. There is growing demand for direct international flights from Glasgow and we believe there is scope for further expansion. We will do everything we can to support easyJet's expansion into Europe."
The introduction of the Glasgow to Berlin route by easyJet, commencing May 3rd, will provide a direct connection between Scotland's largest city and the German capital; currently travellers need to endure laborious connections and pay fares that are too high.
Lesley Craig, Area Director for Glasow VistScotland said:
"easyJet's new flight from Berlin-Schönefeld to Glasgow is great news for Glasgow and the rest of Scotland. We have felt the lack of having a direct service from Germany's biggest city as Germany is our second largest international tourism market, bringing around £78 million into Scotland each year. This is a great opportunity for us to attract more visitors from Berlin and the surrounding area".
Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau said:
"We have been working with BAA Scotland for two years to attract more easyJet routes to Glasgow and I am delighted that the hard work has paid off."
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