Kenton Jarvis, CEO of the low-cost airline easyJet, has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the performance of the European aviation system, particularly air traffic control. In an interview with the news magazine "Der Spiegel," Jarvis described the year so far as "very disappointing" and attributed the large number of delays primarily to the inefficiency of air traffic control in Europe. Jarvis also expects the situation to be tense again around the Easter holidays, which could have a negative impact on easyJet customers.
To at least partially compensate for the delays caused by air traffic control, EasyJet is planning internal optimizations, for example, in handling times. The airline is also keeping replacement aircraft on standby in its fleet and building buffers into its flight schedule. Jarvis emphasized, however, that these investments demonstrate EasyJet's readiness for a challenging operational environment. Despite "crazy price increases," Germany remains an important market for EasyJet.
Regarding locations in Germany, Jarvis reiterated his commitment to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) as the largest German base, but does not currently plan any significant expansion of activities there. The base, once taken over from Air Berlin, has been reduced from over 30 stationed aircraft to eleven because the company was simply "far too big" in Berlin. However, Jarvis hinted in the interview at a possible increase in services at Düsseldorf Airport, where EasyJet will be present again this summer with an initial three destinations. However, the future development of what was formerly Air Berlin's second-largest location is still open, and Jarvis ruled out a new base in the near future. Jarvis is relaxed about the risk of a global economic crisis resulting from customs conflicts for his company, as this might be more likely to keep travelers in Europe. Finally, Jarvis took a swipe at competitor Ryanair, highlighting the European origin of EasyJet's Airbus aircraft and their engines, in contrast to Ryanair's problems with Boeing supplies and possible tariffs on Boeing aircraft in the EU.