EasyJet’s chief operating officer Peter Bellew has resigned amid growing anger over flight disruption. The airline said Bellew had left "to pursue other business opportunities" and wished him well.
It comes after the airline has become one of the worst hit for cancellations in recent months. Thousands of flights were axed, including many on the day they were due to depart.
Mr Bellew joined easyJet from Ryanair two-and-a-half years ago, but has now resigned from his post as the low cost airline continues to try and get back on its feet after stopping various routes throughout the summer months.
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EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “I would like to thank Peter for his hard work and wish him well. Everyone at easyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer.”
The airline’s statement continued: “EasyJet remains absolutely focused on our daily operation and continues to monitor this very closely, having taken pre-emptive action to build further resilience for the summer due to the current operating environment. The airline continues to operate up to 1,700 flights each day and carry up to 250,000 passengers.”
The aviation sector is struggling to cope with the rising demand for travel amid staff shortages and difficulties obtaining security clearance for new recruits. Trade union Unite last month claimed there was a “lack of leadership” within easyJet, and Mr Bellew should be “taking control of this situation”.
EasyJet announced last month it would scrap thousands of summer flights in a bid to avoid last-minute cancellations. Among those were flights between Manchester Airport and the Isle of Man for four months.
In May, the carrier expected its capacity to be at around 97 per cent of 2019 levels between July and September, but that has been reduced to 90 per cent. EasyJet has now appointed David Morgan – who has been with the airline since 2016 – as interim chief operations officer.
Mr Lundgren said: “I am pleased that operations will be in the very capable hands of David Morgan who can move seamlessly into this role having previously led the operation, as interim chief operating officer, throughout 2019. David has significant experience and deep knowledge of the business and operation, and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer.”
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