easyJet has added a seventh aircraft to its Glasgow Airport base as the airline expands its network from Scotland.
The additional 186-seat Airbus A320 will support 400 jobs, including direct roles for pilots and cabin crew, according to the airline.
The aircraft will also support the launch of three new routes from Glasgow. Flights to Pisa in Italy, Malta and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt are due to begin next week.
The airline said the new services will give customers in Scotland more choice for summer travel. Celebrations at Glasgow Airport to mark the arrival of the aircraft included a bagpipe performance and a competition offering an easyJet holidays package holiday.
easyJet said it now bases 17 aircraft in Scotland and operates more than 100 routes to 24 countries across the UK, Europe and North Africa. The airline said it is set to operate its biggest summer programme from Scotland to date, with five new routes launching this season.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the arrival of a seventh aircraft at our Glasgow base, as well as the launch of our new summer routes and package holidays to Pisa, Malta and Sharm El Sheikh.
“Our continued commitment and growth in Scotland supports many skilled jobs and plays a vital role in connecting Scotland to Europe and beyond. Providing more affordable air travel not only ensure flying remains accessible to the millions of people in Scotland who choose to fly us each year, but also drives inbound tourism, bringing visitors and economic benefits to Glasgow and Scotland as a whole.”
Gavin Birch-Williams, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “The arrival of easyJet’s seventh based aircraft at Glasgow Airport is a significant milestone for both our organisations and further strengthens a partnership that has been helping connect Scotland to key destinations across Europe for more than 30 years.
“This additional aircraft represents a major vote of confidence in Glasgow, our passengers and the wider Scottish market. It will support greater connectivity, create new opportunities for tourism and business travel, and provide even more choice for the millions of customers who choose to fly with easyJet each year.
“We are delighted to celebrate this investment alongside easyJet and look forward to welcoming the airline’s new routes to Pisa, Sharm El Sheikh and Malta in the coming days, building on the successful launch of Lisbon earlier this year.
“easyJet remains one of our most valued airline partners and today’s celebration demonstrates the airline’s long-term commitment to Glasgow Airport and the communities we serve.”
Photo: A piper performs on the apron at Glasgow Airport as easyJet celebrates the arrival of its seventh based aircraft, ahead of the launch of new routes to Pisa, Malta and Sharm El Sheikh
Photo Credit: Glasgow Airport