easyJet Chief Operating Officer steps down amid travel woes

easyJet Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Bellew resigned amid rising anger over flight delays and cancelations that have affected the airline during the busy summer season. David Morgan, currently director of flight operations at easyJet, has been appointed interim COO. 

Bellew, who had held the role since 2019, will “pursue other business opportunities,” according to the British low-cost carrier.  

“Everyone at easyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer,” the airline said in a statement. 

AeroTime reached out to easyJet for comment. 

easyJet operations have been severely impacted by the staff shortages currently plaguing the aviation industry. The British low-cost airline said air traffic control delays, airport and ground handling staff shortages were resulting in increased aircraft turnaround times and delayed departures, in turn leading to flight cancellations.  

Consequently, the air carrier cut its capacity for the prime summer months of July, August, and September 2022 to 90% of 2019 levels, down from a previous plan for 97%.