easyJet, the UK’s largest airline and biggest operator at London Luton Airport, today announced its support for Luton’s city status bid ‘Love Luton’, as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. easyJet’s international HQ is located in Luton with over 1,350 people based at the airport. 

With Luton’s close proximity to London and its international links, the town is a gateway to over 90 destinations, including destinations to Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, 32 served by easyJet.

As well as being one of the most culturally diverse towns in the UK, Luton is also one of the fastest growing and boasts a population that thrives on its heritage and diversity. The ‘Love Luton’ bid will be presented to Government on 27th May, with a decision in early February 2012.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s Chief Executive said: “easyJet is proud to support Luton’s bid. The City status offers Luton the chance to build on its strengths and the optimism of its people and become one of Europe’s youngest cities. City status would help the town attract new businesses and investment leading to extra jobs and higher economic growth.

Glyn Jones, Chairman of the Love Luton City Status bid, and Managing Director of London Luton Airport said:  “We’re delighted to have yet another high-profile company backing our bid for city status. Luton boasts exceptionally good transport links and having the UK’s largest airline backing the bid really confirms this. City status would provide a great opportunity to raise the profile of Luton as we move forward into the future.”

easyJet is the latest prestigious organisation to back the bid, including Arriva, BP, London Luton Airport, University of Bedfordshire and Vauxhall.

Other high-profile names behind Luton’s bid include England cricketer Monty Panesar, and pioneering scientist Sir Alec Jeffreys, who developed techniques for DNA fingerprinting and profiling.