easyJet, Europe’s leading low-fares airline, reached its 10th anniversary at London Stansted today. The airline’s first flight, under the brand name ‘Go’, took off on 21 May 1998 to the Italian capital, Rome. ‘Go’ subsequently merged with easyJet on 1 August 2002, creating one of Europe’s largest low-fares airlines.

As a result of strong demand from the region’s travellers, easyJet continued to expand, offering a variety of routes to the main city airports and attractive destinations. Routes to business, city break, summer sun and winter ski destinations, as well linking those routes with strong family and ethnic ties, gave the independent traveller the affordable option to explore new places, experience new cultures and develop stronger business links.

easyJet offers fares from £9.99 single (inc all taxes), and 10 years on has not only made Stansted one of its most successful bases (with 522 staff and 14 permanent aircraft) but has also carried more than 39 million passengers, to 26 European and domestic destinations from the airport.

David Osborne, easyJet’s UK General Manager, said:

“The way we travel has dramatically changed over the last 10 years. Now, more people than ever before have the opportunity to fly thanks to our affordable fares to key destinations across the UK and Europe. I am proud that easyJet has played such a pivotal role in uniting Europe and enhancing people’s lives as well as generating a huge economic benefit to the local community.”