easyJet, Europe's leading low-fares airline, today celebrated a significant milestone as it welcomed its 150 millionth UK passenger at Bristol International Airport.

easyJet began operations on 10 November 1995 and has revolutionised the travel industry with its unique combination of low fares with care and convenience. When the airline started over 11 years ago it had two leased aircraft, operating two routes from Luton to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Today easyJet is one of the largest airlines in Europe operating 137 aircraft on 318 routes between 83 airports in 22 countries, carrying over 35 million passengers a year.

David Osborne, easyJet UK General Manager, said:

"This is a very exciting day for easyJet as we welcome our 150 millionth UK passenger, we've come a long way since the airline started over 11 years ago and are now one of the largest airlines in Europe."

"I'm delighted that we are celebrating this milestone at my local airport - Bristol, easyJet has built up a fantastic relationship with both the airport and the people of the South West over the last five years"

Bristol is easyJet's largest base outside of London, with 11 based aircraft operating 37 routes to 14 countries, including four recently announced services to Funchal, Lisbon, Innsbruck and Gdansk, to commence operations this autumn. The airline has not only provided the South West with direct, low-cost flights to main city airports all across Europe but has also brought millions of visitors to the region providing investment in the local area allowing businesses to thrive. easyJet has carried over 13 million passengers to and from Bristol airport since it began operations just over 5 years ago, providing employment both directly and indirectly for over 13,000 people. In the last 12 months easyJet has carried over 2.7 million passengers to and from Bristol airport and expects to carry over 3.3 million in the next 12 months.

Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director at Bristol International Airport, said:

“Bristol International is proud of its excellent relationship with easyJet and we are especially pleased the airline’s 150 millionth passenger milestone was celebrated at the airport today

“With 37 destinations now on offer from Bristol, delivering to both the business and leisure markets, the airline supports the sustained growth of the South West’s vibrant economy. With great low cost fares, this comprehensive route network is the envy of other regional airports, and we look forward to the introduction of further exciting new routes in the coming months.

“Over 13 million passengers have flown on easyJet services to and from Bristol International, and we congratulate the easyJet team on this fantastic achievement.”

Sarah Miller, from St Andrews, who was traveling with her partner Ian and their baby daughter Amelie, became easyJet’s 150 millionth UK passenger at Bristol today. she was traveling to Barcelona from Bristol and received a free unlimited travel for a year with easyJet from Bristol.