Wizz Air Further Expands U.K. Operations with Cardiff Base – AirlineGeeks.com

Wizz Air Further Expands U.K. Operations with Cardiff Base

Wizz Air continues its U.K. expansion with news that the east European carrier will base an Airbus A321 at Cardiff airport. Reuters reports that the Welsh capital will be added to Wizz Air’s growing list of U.K. bases from late March to coincide with the beginning of the northern summer schedule. The Hungarian carrier obtained a U.K. air operator’s certificate (AOC) in 2018 to safeguard its operation in a post-Brexit environment.

Managing Director of Wizz Air U.K. Owain Jones said the opening of the Cardiff base “reflects Wizz Air’s continued commitment to serving the U.K .market and generating economic growth, as we create local jobs, stimulate the tourism and hospitality industries and deliver on our promise of providing affordable, direct flights to exciting holiday destinations.”

The airline will operate to nine popular holiday destinations from Cardiff such as Alicante, Faro and Tenerife. Wales Online reports that Wizz Air will have seasonal operations to Corfu and Palma de Mallorca as well as Lanzarote and Sharm El Sheikh during the northern winter schedule.

The addition of Wizz Air to Cardiff’s operations will create forty direct jobs and an additional two hundred and fifty roles in the supply chain. Both the Welsh transport minister and Cardiff airport’s interim chief executive welcomed the news. Transport minister Ken Skates said, “This is a positive step for the airport to emerge from the impact of Covid-19.” Chief executive Spencer Birns said: “We know many people living in Wales are craving a well-deserved holiday after such a challenging year and these new flights will give so many more opportunities for holidays to be planned now that will give us all something to look forward to for next year.”

A base in Cardiff follows Doncaster Sheffield and London Gatwick as Wizz Air’s further foray into the U.K. market this year. The Hungarian carrier obtained a U.K. air operator’s certificate (AOC) in 2018 to safeguard its operation in a post-Brexit environment. Wizz Air U.K. has its main base of operations at London Luton airport and Wizz Air chief executive officer József Váradi expects more to be added. annaaero reports that the airline has added 260 new routes and 13 bases since the CoVid-19 crisis began earlier this year.

Discussing Wizz Air’s strategy to expand centers of operation during such a tumultuous period for the industry Mr. Váradi was direct. “Every crisis is a problem but also an opportunity.  If you’re afraid of taking decisions, you’re nothing,” he said. “We’re going to see structural demand changes and we must ensure we grow elsewhere and take advantage of changing dynamics,” he added.

John has always had a passion for aviation and through a career with Air New Zealand has gained a strong understanding of aviation operations and the strategic nature of the industry. During his career with the airline, John held multiple leadership roles and was involved in projects such as the introduction of both the 777-200 and -300 type aircraft and the development of the IFE for the 777-300. He was also part of a small team who created and published the internal communications magazines for Air New Zealand’s pilots, cabin crew and ground staff balancing a mix of corporate and social content.

John is educated to postgraduate level achieving a Masters degree with Distinction in Airline and Airport Management. John is currently the course director of an undergraduate commercial pilot training programme at a leading London university. In addition he is contracted as an external instructor for IATA (International Air Transport Association) and a member of the Heathrow Community Trust’s ‘Communities for Tomorrow’ panel.

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