EasyJet to increase seats to Malta from Newcastle

EasyJet has announced plans to station a new plane in the city, increasing capacity on eight of its routes, with a 150-seat Airbus A320 replacing the existing 124-seat A319 which serves Malta, Majorca, Paris, Bristol, Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona and Belfast.

Seats go on sale today and the move should mean space for up to 13,000 more North East passengers this year.

Hugh Aitken, easyJet's commercial manager, said: "due to increased customer demand we are replacing an Airbus A319 with an Airbus A320 to provide additional seats to our loyal flyers.

"This move demonstrates that easyJet is committed to further growth at Newcastle Airport. Passengers flying from Newcastle will now find it even easier to jet off and soak up the sun and city culture with additional flights to favourites such as Malta, Majorca, Paris and Bristol on offer."

EasyJet operates more than 3,600 flights and carries more than 450,000 people each year from Newcastle. On average 11 flights depart daily carrying 1,200 people to the company's 13 year-round destinations.

Aitken added: "while other airlines flying out of Newcastle Airport concentrate on summer-only schedules and reducing capacity, easyJet is strengthening its offer and making year-round, affordable travel accessible to all."