Wizz Air UK Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Wizz Air Holdings Plc, has been granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and Operating Licence (OL) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and launched its first flight.
In an investment representing US$860 million, Wizz Air UK is to have eight new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft in service by the end of 2018.
Headquartered at London Luton airport, Wizz Air UK began operations on 3 May with its first flight from the airport to Bucharest.
“Today marks the start of a new era in air travel in the United Kingdom, as we celebrate Wizz Air UK’s first flight following the approval of its UK operating licence,” said József Váradi, chief executive officer at Wizz Air.
“While Wizz Air UK is a key part of our Brexit contingency plan, it is also the first genuine ultra-low cost carrier licensed in the UK and the natural next-step in the development of our UK business, putting us in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities that may arise in what remains Europe’s largest travel market,” he continued.
With the addition of Wizz Air UK, the group will have almost 9 million seats on sale on its routes to and from the UK in 2018, around 14% growth year on year.
Váradi went on to say: “Wizz Air has been committed to the UK ever since our very first flight landed at London Luton in 2004 and our continued expansion will mean additional investment and jobs in the UK as we build our current position as the 8th largest airline operating in the UK. Everyone in the WIZZ team is delighted to see operations begin under the Wizz Air UK flag, as we bring ever more low fare opportunities to our UK customers to explore our network of exciting destinations.”
