easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, this week launches the first new routes of 2010, including London Gatwick to Hamburg and Dusseldorf starting today.

In the coming six months, easyJet is launching over 70 new routes across its European network: http://corporate.easyjet.com/media/route-launch-dates/2009.aspx.

The addition of these new services means the airline will now offer choice of over 500 routes connecting nearly 120 key airports in 28 countries across Europe, North Africa and Middle East.

The airline expects more new routes to be announced in the coming weeks.

Andy Harrison, easyJet’s chief executive, said:

“easyJet continues to attract new customers because we offer the lowest fares to the most convenient airports. Despite the challenging economic conditions, we will grow 10% and will carry 50 million passengers this year on over 500 routes. The 70 new routes we will launch in the coming months will reinforce our position as Europe’s Number 1 air transport network.”