Originally Posted by
SKOJB
Just curious, at some point where do we think the next EZY base will open in the UK?
There is not much evidence the EZY will open another base in UK at any point in the foreseeable future. Their most recent performance pronouncements indicate a baseline fleet growth of a little less than 10% (30 aircraft) in the coming five years, with progressive roll out of the EZY fleet of A319 (156 seats), replacing with A320 (186 seats), and A321 (235 seats). Most of the 321 are going into Gatwick. The company has also just purchased the Thomas Cook slots at Gatwick and Bristol, indicating further growth here. Remember that Jet2 picked up the TC slots at BHX, MAN and STN. This move by EZY in southern England, together with the larger aircraft means a substantial hike in capacity from existing bases is both preferred and planned. They are also working hard to improve operational resilience.. leading in part to a requirement for more spare aircraft capacity at existing bases (if there is space to park them) to better cover for the risk of lengthy delays and passenger compensation liability.
Likely outcome?...more flights from existing bases and larger aircraft, but not new bases, at least until the established plans are unable to deliver any further growth. That capacity crunch point is at least five years away in the UK for EZY, assuming no economic downturn. Jet2 on the other hand....
FF