BRISTOL Airport's largest airline operator, easyJet, has announced that it will be adding an 18th aircraft to its North Somerset fleet next summer.

The new aircraft will give holidaymakers even more choice on where to go, including two new routes between Bristol and Tivat in Montenegro and the Greek island of Skiathos.

Seats will be on sale from November 30.

The two routes will operate twice weekly departures. The flight to Tivat will depart on Mondays and Fridays, whilst the new connection to Skiathos will operate from May 1 on Wednesdays and Sundays. 

In addition, from April 3, 2024, easyJet will operate a twice weekly flight to Malta.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “We are proud to be Bristol’s largest airline and we continue to see opportunity to offer our customers in the South West even more choice which is why we are delighted to announce the expansion of our aircraft fleet in Bristol and more new routes for our network. 

“This is a testament to our focus on providing great value and convenient connectivity at Bristol, while continuing to support job opportunities for the local economy.

"With flights on sale later this week, now is a great time to book to get the best fares and we can’t wait to welcome customers onboard.”

The addition of the new aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, will create around 40 local job opportunities. The aircraft is also more environmentally friendly than previous generations, with at least 15 per cent less CO2 emissions and 50 per cent less noise during take-off and landing.

easyJet started flying from Bristol Airport in May 2001, starting with routes to Palma, Faro and Nice.  

Since then, it has carried over 70 million passengers to and from the North Somerset airport, a feat it has celebrated recently.

Speaking further about hitting the landmark number, Ali added: “We are so proud to be in Bristol today marking a key milestone as we celebrate flying 70 million passengers from Bristol.

"Our first flights from Bristol took off for the first time 22 years ago and since then we’ve been committed to Bristol to providing great value fares and convenient connections for our customers from across the South West whether they’re travelling for business or leisure."