easyJet has announced it will be expanding its UK network by opening a new three-aircraft base at Birmingham.

The new base will open next March and create around 100 direct jobs for pilots and crew and support 1,200 indirect jobs. It is the first UK base opening following the pandemic.

The move follows easyJet's return to growth in the UK this summer, where it will operate its biggest ever UK flying programme with around eight per cent more capacity than pre-pandemic, flying one million more seats and operating 57 new routes, including 23 from the UK.

Three A320 aircraft will be based at Birmingham with more new routes set to launch next year to more of Europe's most popular leisure destinations.

easyJet is the largest airline in the UK and currently employs around ten thousand people across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

New research commissioned by the airline has revealed travel is the number one priority for UK consumers where consumers are placing more value on travel post pandemic.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: "We are delighted to be announcing our new base in Birmingham. Having already served Birmingham for many years, the decision to open a base and grow at the airport now is testament to the strong demand we see, coupled with the importance of the UK market in supporting our profitable growth.

"The UK is easyJet's largest market with 55% of all easyJet passengers flying to and from UK airports so this move will not only reinforce our leadership position as the UK's largest airline, but also demonstrates our confidence in the resilient strength of demand for travel, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares."

Not only will the aircraft help support vital UK domestic connectivity outside of London, each UK-based aircraft directly supports 400 jobs and £27m UK GVA considering direct, indirect and induced impacts.*

Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport (BHX), said: "This landmark investment by easyJet is a huge vote of confidence in the West Midlands. Basing three aircraft at BHX will create many more jobs for local people and many more options for customers.

"Years of hard work have led to this. Together we look forward to years of future success."