EasyJet plc : easyJet increases capacity on Newcastle routes

easyJet, the UK's largest and Newcastle's favourite airline, has today announced it will increase capacity on eight of its Newcastle routes with the arrival of a new larger aircraft. easyJet is already the biggest airline operating out of Newcastle.

The Airbus A320 will arrive at the airport later this year meaning easyJet is able to provide seats for 13,000 more North East passengers.

The extra seats have gone on sale today and will provide additional capacity on popular summer holiday and city break routes from Newcastle including Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona and Belfast.

Hugh Aitken, easyJet's commercial manager confirmed: "Due to increased customer demand we are replacing an Airbus A319 with an Airbus A320 to provide additional seats to our loyal flyers. This move demonstrates that easyJet is committed to further growth at Newcastle Airport.

"Passengers flying from Newcastle will now find it even easier to jet off and soak up the sun and city culture with additional flights to favourites such as Malta, Majorca, Paris and Bristol on offer."

easyJet operates more than 3,600 flights and carries in excess of 450,000 people each year from Newcastle Airport.

The airline has on average 11 flights departing daily and flies 1,200 people each day to its 13 year-round destinations.

Mr Aitken concludes: "While other airlines flying out of Newcastle Airport concentrate on summer-only schedules, easyJet is strengthening its offer and making year-round, affordable travel accessible to all."

Dave Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International, said: "We are very pleased about this commitment shown by easyJet to the region and this airport as it helps keep flying affordable. With the summer rapidly approaching, we recommend booking flights as soon as possible in order to get the best deals from your local airport."

Additional capacity will be available on easyJet's most popular routes: Malta, Majorca, Paris, Bristol, Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona and Belfast.

For further information about easyJet destinations and to book flights visit . Travellers looking to book their flights, accommodation and transfers in one go can find a wide range of flexible and affordable breaks from all easyJet airports on the easyJet Holidays website: .

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For further information please contact:

easyJet Press Office, [e-mail] 01582 525252

Danielle Bishop, Beattie Communications, [e-mail] 0113 213 0303 07713 149 186

Notes to editors

About easyJet:
easyJet operates Europe's No. 1 air transport network with a leading presence on Europe's top 100 routes and at Europe's 50 largest airports.

easyJet flies on more than 600 routes between 130 airports in 30 countries. More than 300 million Europeans live within one hour's drive of an easyJet airport, more than any other airline.

The airline takes sustainability seriously. easyJet invests in the latest technology, operates efficiently and fills most of its seats which means that an easyJet passenger's carbon footprint is 22% less than a passenger on a traditional airline, flying the same aircraft on the same route.

easyJet Holidays:
The arrangements for a holiday booked on the easyJet Holidays website are made by easyJet, acting as principal for flights and as disclosed agent for travel insurance, car rental and airport parking; and by Lowcostbeds acting as agent for accommodation and transfers.