From a Napkin Sketch to a Global Airline
EasyJet is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since its first-ever flight from Luton to Glasgow on November 10, 1995. Founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at just 28 years old, EasyJet started with one leased aircraft and a simple idea: to make flying affordable and accessible to everyone. What began as a concept scribbled on a napkin has evolved into the UK’s largest airline, operating over 1,200 routes with 356 aircraft and employing 19,000 staff, including nearly 4,000 in Luton.
Sir Stelios’s bold decision to base the airline at Luton Airport — considered remote and underused at the time — proved visionary. His approach challenged traditional airline norms, and EasyJet quickly became synonymous with low-cost, no-frills travel that reshaped how millions of people fly.
How EasyJet Reshaped Modern Travel
Travel editor Cathy Adams of The Times described EasyJet’s rise as “one of the most important shifts in travel over the past three decades.” Before budget airlines like EasyJet, air travel was often seen as a luxury. Today, affordable flights have made spontaneous weekend getaways and frequent travel an everyday reality for millions across Europe.
The airline’s fame grew rapidly in the late 1990s, helped in part by the hit ITV documentary Airline, which gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at EasyJet’s staff and passengers. Former check-in supervisor Jane Boulton, one of the show’s stars, recalled how it boosted bookings overnight. “It was the best marketing strategy imaginable — it made EasyJet a household name,” she said.
Boulton also reminisced about the airline’s casual culture. “We wore denim jeans and bomber jackets instead of suits. It was all about being approachable and efficient,” she noted. “Everything was easy and simple — from check-in to boarding.”
Economic Impact and Local Pride
EasyJet’s roots remain firmly tied to Luton, where it continues to be one of the town’s largest employers. Local MP Rachel Hopkins praised the airline for its contribution to the community, highlighting how it provided jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities for residents.
“EasyJet made travel possible for hardworking people when flights cost less than a pair of Levi jeans,” Hopkins said. “They put Luton on the map and continue to drive local growth.”
Environmental Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its success, EasyJet faces mounting scrutiny over its environmental footprint. In 2024, the airline emitted an estimated eight million tonnes of greenhouse gases — more than the total emissions of some small countries.
Former pilot George Hibberd, now an environmental advocate, argued that while EasyJet has made flying more democratic, the climate cost cannot be ignored. “Aviation connects cultures, but it’s also a major emitter,” he said. “Most emissions come from a small group of frequent fliers, and the industry is still on the wrong flight path.”
In response, EasyJet has launched an ambitious net-zero strategy, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan includes investments in sustainable aviation fuel, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, and improved fuel efficiency.
Chief Operating Officer Captain David Morgan acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the company’s sustainability roadmap. “Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, but we’re committed to doing our part,” he said. “We invest in the most efficient planes and sustainable fuel solutions available.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for EasyJet
As EasyJet celebrates its 30th year, the airline is not slowing down. It recently opened a new base at Southend Airport and announced plans for future hubs in Newcastle and Marrakech by 2026. These expansions underline EasyJet’s ongoing ambition to be Europe’s most loved and sustainable low-cost airline.
With nearly 2,000 daily flights during the summer season, EasyJet continues to be a driving force in connecting people, cultures, and economies. Its blend of affordability, innovation, and adaptability has ensured its place in aviation history — and its next chapter promises to be just as transformative.Stay informed on aviation, business, and startup news at StartupNews.fyi
