easyJet, a UK-based low-cost airline, has announced the opening of a new base in Newcastle. The carrier estimates that this expansion will support 1,200 jobs. This calculation is based on the assumption that each UK-based aircraft directly supports 400 jobs and adds further gross value.
Currently, easyJet ranks as the fourth-largest airline in terms of weekly seats offered from Newcastle. With the addition of the new base at Newcastle International Airport (NCL), which will become operational in March 2026, easyJet plans to base three aircraft there. This move is expected to create 130 pilot, cabin crew, and engineer jobs while supporting approximately 1,200 jobs across the UK.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, stated that "the UK is a really important market for us," citing demand for flights and package holidays as key drivers behind this decision. He added: “This not only consolidates our position as the UK’s largest leisure airline but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region.”