If you’ve traveled in Europe, you’ve likely spotted the iconic orange and white colors of easyJet. The British-based airline has come on leaps and bounds since its inception and continues to evolve.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this European airline. In no particular order, here are 20 facts you should know about easyJet.
1. The airline was founded in the 1990s
easyJet was established in 1995 by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, a Greek-Cypriot entrepreneur.
Haji-Ioannou, who started the airline with funds provided by his father, established the carrier with a low-cost business model, inspired by the operations of Southwest Airlines in the United States, which he aimed to emulate across the pond.
2. The low-cost business model
easyJet still currently operates using a low-cost business model, focusing on offering affordable air travel by minimizing overhead and providing no-frills services.
This strategy has helped easyJet become a leading carrier in the European aviation market.
3. easyJet is based at London Luton Airport
easyJet’s head office is based at Hangar 89, London Luton Airport.
The airport is also a key base for the airline.
4. Key bases across the UK and Europe
In addition to London Luton, easyJet operates from several other bases, including London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
5. The airline has a large fleet
According to the airline’s official website, easyJet currently has 318 aircraft in its fleet.
The fleet consists of the Airbus A319, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, and Airbus A321neo.
6. The low-cost carrier serves over 150 destinations
Currently, easyJet serves destinations within the United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
During easyJet’s Big Orange Sale in December 2023, popular destinations for flight bookings were Alicante, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, and Paris.
7. easyJet also sells package holidays
In addition to flights, the company offers package holidays through its subsidiary, easyJet Holidays.
Some of the airline’s popular package destinations are Hurghada, Lanzarote, and Tenerife.
8. The airline has a strong safety record
However, the airline was involved in a serious incident in September 2006, when one of its aircraft suffered a major electrical outage, which knocked out many of the planes key functions. It’s said that the plane nearly collided with American Airlines aircraft during the incident. Nevertheless, the aircraft was later landed safely in Bristol.
9. easyJet is known for its branding
As we noted at the very start of this article, easyJet’s branding features a distinctive orange and white colour scheme that makes it easily recognizable.
The colour scheme has been a part of the airline’s branding since its inception.
10. The airline is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange
easyJet is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “EZJ.”
The airline is also part of the FTSE 100 Index, which includes the largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange
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11. Econony-only service
Due to easyJet’s low-cost business model, the airline provides only economy seating on its flights.
However, for added comfort, passengers can choose from a limited number of extra legroom seats on the airline’s flights.
12. easyJet Europe: adapting post-Brexit
After the Brexit vote – when the United Kingdom left the European Union – easyJet created a subsidiary called easyJet Europe, based in Austria, to continue its operations in Europe.
The subsidiary has been in operation since July 2017 and maintains bases throughout Europe as a low-cost airline.
13. Ranking among the top 10 airlines in Europe
In terms of passengers carried, easyJet ranks as one of the top ten airlines in Europe, coming in at number six behind Ryanair, the Lufthansa Group, IAG (British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia), Air France-KLM, and Turkish Airlines.
14. easyJet employs thousands of staff
According to the airline, easyJet employs 16,000 staff.
This includes roles such as pilots, cabin crew, and check-in staff.
15. The largest airline in the UK
easyJet is the second-largest low-cost airline in Europe by passengers carried, ranking just behind Ryanair.
However, when it comes to airlines in the United Kingdom, easyJet ranks as the number one airline for passengers carried, ahead of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
16. easyJet was featured in a television series
Between 1999 and 2007, easyJet’s operations were featured in a fly-on-the-wall television series called Airline.
The show was broadcast on ITV.
17. Pilot Training Program highlighted in ITV Series
In August 2017, EasyJet: Inside the Cockpit debuted on ITV.
The show followed easyJet’s cadet pilot candidates as they underwent training to become first officers for the airline. The show lasted for two seasons.
18. The airline has a frequent flyer program
The airline’s loyalty program is called Flight Club.
Unlike most airlines worldwide, membership is by invitation, with subscriptions reviewed annually. Program benefits include a Price Guarantee, where easyJet refunds the difference if a cheaper fare is found with another airline, and no change fees, depending on the ticket type.
19. Rejected takeover bid
In September 2021, it was reported that easyJet had turned down a takeover offer from Wizz Air.
In response, the airline revealed plans to raise £1.2 billion from shareholders to support its recovery from the pandemic.
20. Stelios Haji-Ioannou lost control of the airline
Following easyJet’s £1.2 billion fundraising, Stelios Haji-Ioannou lost control of the airline, as his blocking stake was diluted after he chose not to acquire new shares in the rights issue, which came in the wake of a takeover bid by low-cost competitor Wizz Air.
It left Haji-Ioannou and his family with just a 15.3% stake in the airline.
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