easyJet launches flights to Santiago de Compostela

easyJet has celebrated the launch of its first flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela, the capital city of the Galicia region in western Spain.

The thrice weekly, year round flights are expected to be very popular with British holidaymakers looking for a city full of breathtaking historical monuments steeped in tradition and spiritual heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular Santiago de Compostela Cathedral along with the destination’s unique blend of cultural influences at the heart of its cuisine and numerous other visitor attractions.

The city is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Galician mountains and unspoilt greenery boasting over a million square metres of public parks and green areas and with the beach under an hour away by car, Santiago de Compostela really does have something for everyone.

Paul Simmons, UK director, easyJet, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela today.

“Spain remains a firm favourite for British holidaymakers so with over 8.5 million seats available this year alone we’re sure that it will be a strong addition to our existing services from London Gatwick.”

In November 2012, easyJet announced a strategic partnership with Spanish hotel institution, the Paradores de Turismo de España – the first collaboration of its kind for the hotel group, offering flight inclusive short breaks and holidays via the easyJet Holidays website.

Located across mainland Spain (and the Canary Islands,) the Paradores offer a unique and authentic take on tourism with no two Paradores the same.

The Parador Santiago di Compostela is often considered the most prestigious in the group’s portfolio and flights direct to the city will enable quick and convenient access direct from London Gatwick.

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easyJet signs with Airbus for 135 new planes

Low-cost airline easyJet has agreed to buy 135 new planes from European manufacturer Airbus in a deal worth approximately £10 billion.

The deal will see easyJet take 35 current-generation A320 aircraft and 100 new-generation A320neo jets, with options for a further 100.

The deal is a blow to American rival Boeing, which had also been pitching for the deal in the build up to the Paris Air Show this week.

easyJet said 85 of 135 ordered aircraft will be used to replace ageing aircraft as they leave the fleet and return to lessors, with the remaining aircraft used to continue easyJet’s existing strategy of capacity seat growth of between three to five per cent per annum.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet chief executive, commented: “All manufacturers competed hard for the easyJet business. Both Airbus and Boeing offered us new generation aircraft that met our requirements and offered greatly improved fuel efficiency.

“Ultimately, Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with easyJet in 2002.

“These arrangements combined with easyJet’s cost advantage, leading network and compelling customer proposition mean that easyJet is uniquely positioned to be a structural winner in European aviation.

“This is a great outcome for easyJet, our shareholders and our passengers, and will ensure that easyJet is able to continue its successful strategy of delivering profitable growth and returns to shareholders.”

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