Easyjet could close three out of its 11 bases in the UK as well as fire up to 30% of its workforce, the company reveals as it is starting negotiations with trade unions. 

Easyjet might need to reduce staff numbers by up to 30% and close its London Stansted, London Southend and Newcastle bases, the company revealed in a statement on June 30, 2020. The airports would remain part of the carrier’s route network. 

Easyjet had been hit hard by the pandemic and expected 2019’s market demand not to recover until 2023, according to the statement. 

“These are very difficult proposals to put forward in what is an unprecedented and difficult time for the airline and the industry as a whole,”Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO said. “We are focused on doing what is right for the company and its long term health and success so we can protect jobs going forward.” 

The low-cost carrier currently has 11 bases in the UK, where it keeps 163 aircraft. The airline plans to continue reviewing its network and bases to ensure they were “optimized in the current environment”.