EasyJet restarts operations for the first time in 11 weeks with Gatwick to Glasgow flight

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EasyJet’s boss has insisted he would “feel 100% safe” on packed planes as the airline restarts operations for the first time in 11 weeks.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said that the Luton-based carrier took guidance from international regulators to develop an enhanced safety and hygiene regime ahead of its resumption of flights on Monday.

Passengers and crew are required to wear masks, aircraft are regularly deep-cleaned, and disinfection wipes and hand sanitiser are being made available.

EasyJet flight takes off from Gatwick Credit: PA

EasyJet’s first UK flight since it grounded its aircraft on March 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic was from Gatwick to Glasgow, taking off at 7am.

Mr Lundgren said not operating a single flight in nearly three months has been “devastating”, and the airline is “super-excited” to return to the skies.

He will travel on his first easyJet flight after the restart on Wednesday.

Asked if he would be anxious about his health if the plane is full, he replied:

Passengers boarding the flight at Gatwick Credit: PA

The Airbus A321neo – easyJet’s largest aircraft – can seat 235 passengers.> Despite the 14-day quarantine policy and current travel restrictions imposed in the UK, Mr Lundgren said he believed summer holidays will be possible.

Air bridges would involve travellers arriving from countries where the risk of being infected by coronavirus is deemed to be low to avoid having to self-isolate for 14 days.>EasyJet’s initial schedule involves mainly domestic flying in the UK and France.>The airline will ramp up its operations in the coming weeks.>It plans to reopen half of its 1,022 routes by the end of next month, increasing to 75% during August.>But flights will be at a lower frequency than normal, meaning the airline will operate at around 30% of its normal capacity between July and September.>EasyJet announced plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs as it does not expect demand to return to 2019 levels until 2023.>Ryanair intends to restore 40% of its flights from July 1, while British Airways is due to make a “meaningful return” to service next month.