easyJet PLC Expands Bristol Base Amid £5.7 Billion Apollo Acquisition

The budget airline easyJet PLC has expanded its operations at Bristol Airport by adding a 20th aircraft to its base. The arrival of an Airbus A320 Neo allows the airline to offer additional routes to destinations including Budapest, Bari, Cape Verde, Seville, Thessaloniki, and Reus, bringing its total to 90 routes across 27 countries from the hub. This expansion is expected to sustain 400 jobs for pilots and cabin crew.

Airport leadership noted that the Neo aircraft increase fuel efficiency and reduce noise pollution. This growth occurs as the airline transitions its ownership structure. easyJet PLC recently agreed to an all-cash acquisition by the U.S. investment firm Apollo for £5.7 billion, valuing the airline at 714p per share. This deal follows a rival bid from Castlelake, which Apollo surpassed to secure the acquisition.