EasyJet to open base at Manchester International airport

EasyJet, the second-biggest European discount airline after Ryanair, said Monday it would open a base at Manchester International airport in England after acquiring GB Airways.

EasyJet agreed to buy the smaller British carrier in October to add takeoff and landing slots at London Gatwick airport. GB has two aircraft based at Manchester, and EasyJet will add three more planes there by 2010, EasyJet said.

Expansion at Manchester and Liverpool airports will make EasyJet the biggest airline operating in northwest England, according to the company, carrying 4 million passengers in the region a year. The Luton, England-based carrier plans to add two planes to its base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, bringing the total to 10 by 2010.

The carrier expects to complete the GB Airways acquisition by the end of January. GB, which flies 15 planes from three bases at London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester airports, will operate routes under its brand until March 29.

(πηγή: www.iht.com, 17/12/2007)