easyJet hasbeen awarded the rights to fly between London and Moscow by the CAA and will launch flights from Spring 2013. The low cost carrier will operate an Airbus A320 on two services a day between London Gatwick and Moscow Domodedovo airport.  Each aircraft will have 180 seats and easyJet expects to fly over 230,000 passengers in its first year of operations.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of easyJet, said: “easyJet is delighted to have been awarded the rights to fly between London Gatwick and Moscow.  We believe this is the right decision for consumers both in the UK and Russia.

“Russia has a fast growing economy and is a country rich in culture and history.  We believe that our flights will be popular with both business and leisure travellers alike.  easyJet has proved again and again that when we enter a new market we open it up - bringing in competition and lower fares and enabling more people to travel on the route.  We look forward to welcoming passengers on board next Spring.”

Fares will start from as little £125 return - compared to current fares of over £1000 for an economy ticket - and will be on sale in the coming weeks.