EasyJet reaches new long-term base deal with Gatwick

UK low-cost carrier EasyJet has struck a new long-term deal at its biggest base, London Gatwick airport. The airline is the largest operator at the south London airport, even as it prepares to return some of the slots it has leased at the facility from rival British Airways Speaking during a full-year results call on 28 November, EasyJet CFO Kenton Jarvis said: ”We were in a seven-year deal that was due to end in April 2024, and yesterday we signed a new long-term deal with Gatwick that we are very pleased with and secures EasyJet as an anchor partner for Gatwick. So we’ve got a deal agreed now that moves us forward for the next six years.” Cirium schedules data shows that Gatwick accounts for around 10% of EasyJet’s November seats, more than double the amount of its next biggest airport. EasyJet represents more than a third of total seat capacity from Gatwick. The airline’s presence has been bolstered by a deal struck during the pandemic under which it has leased some slots from British Airways while the latter was restructuring its Gatwick operations. BA also leased some slots to sister carrier Vueling. EasyJet CCO Sophie Dekkers says the airline will next summer return around 3,000 slots to BA – representing about three aircraft worth of flying.<br/>