EasyJet has announced that it will open a new base London Southend Airport.
The budget operator will provide 122 flights per week on 22 routes to Essex Airport.
These routes will enable British tourists to destinations in Europe and North Africa and offer 330,000 seats.
EasyJet will take passengers to several new destinations in South Germany, including Reus and Gran Canaria Spain.
The airline will also operate flights to Tenerife, Marrakech, Antalya, Almeria, Pisa, Daraman, Endfeda and Malta.
Gary Wilson, CEO of EasyJet Holidays, said: “With flights and thousands of package holidays, now from London Southend to 20 destinations, this will allow us not only to serve more customers, but also to provide significant value and more options for the UK, and to provide critical connectivity and work for the UK, we can serve the largest summer we have ever had.”
EasyJet will retain three A320neo aircraft in London Southend, providing 140 staff and pilot jobs for 1,200 jobs.
Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, said: “The opening of Easyjet’s tenth base at London Southend Airport marks an important milestone for the airport and local communities.
EasyJet announces opening a new base at London Southend Airport
New EasyJet route from London Southend Airport will take passengers to North Africa and European destinations
“Creating a wider range of jobs for 1,200 jobs in the region, including new jobs from 140 airport colleagues, reflects the positive momentum we are seeing as we enter the biggest summer in six years.”
EasyJet will also expand its winter products from Southend Airport and offer new services to Barcelona, Lanzarote and Salzburg.
The budget airline withdraws from Southend, London in August 2020 due to the pandemic.
Ryanair and Wizz Air also exited Southend, causing flights to be suspended for a while.