Expansion at LHR Could Be a Boon to EasyJet

EasyJet has offered its support for expansion at London’s Heathrow Airport, City A.M. reports. The addition of an extra runway at the facility will be a boon for low-cost airlines seeking to enter the market here. In stark contrast to IAG, EasyJet has long been supportive of expansion plans at LHR.

While it certainly will boost overall capacity at the facility, the expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) could be a real plus point for EasyJet passengers, City A.M. reports. The airline believes that the addition of a third runway at the airport could make conditions just right for low-cost carriers to enter the market at LHR. This, in turn, would see more competition and result in lower passenger fares.

EasyJet has also said that expansion would allow these low-cost operators to connect passengers to destinations not currently served by LHR.

Offering his comments in support of expansion to British Members of Parliament (MP), Robert Carey, the airline’s chief commercial and strategy officer, said, “EasyJet supported the Airports Commission’s clear and unanimous recommendation and agrees that expansion at Heathrow will provide the greatest passenger and economic benefits, including lower fares by opening up the airport to increased competition.””

“EasyJet’s costs are significantly lower than legacy airlines so EasyJet’s fares on these services would be lower than those paid by passengers today. Expansion at Heathrow will bring significant economic benefits to all of the UK and that’s why we urge MPs to support the government’s national planning statement so that work can start to increase the aviation capacity for the UK,” he added.

While expansion at LHR has been a divisive issue among many quarters – including the International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways, LHR’s largest customer – EasyJet, the outlet reports, has been consistently forthright in its support for expansion at LHR…

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