Massive expansion in north-west for easyJet

Low-fares airline easyJet has claimed that it will become the north-west's largest airline following "massive" expansion in the region.

The carrier will base new aircraft at Liverpool Airport and also open a new hub at Manchester Airport.

These changes are expected to enable the airline to carry over four million passengers a year from the north-west.

EasyJet currently offers 20 routes from Liverpool Airport to destinations across Europe, carrying around 2.5 million passengers a year.

In October this year the airline announced it plans to buy British Airways franchise operator GB Airways, which has two planes based in Manchester, to be joined by a further three aircraft by 2010.

Mike Campbell of easyJet said that the company had recognised a "strong demand" for low-cost air services in the north-west.