Proactive Investors - easyJet PLC (LON:EZJ) is launching its first new British base since 2012, with the airline expecting it to result in cheaper fares, extended travel options and more jobs.
The new base is set to be developed at Birmingham Airport and will see 140 new roles for pilots and crew members, while indirectly creating a further 1,200 support roles.
It represents easyJet's first new base since it launched at Southend Airport.
A new site will mean the airline no longer needs to use aeroplanes from other airports when flying to and from Birmingham.
Flights from the airport each week are expected to increase by 50% due to the changes, while 16 new routes will be added this summer including trips to Antalya in Turkey and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.
easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “This is going to provide a huge amount of additional connectivity, which not only will serve the holidays community, but also a very critical part of the business community as well.”