easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has today unveiled its new 180 seater Airbus 320 aircraft at its base at Bristol Airport. The new aircraft was welcomed to Bristol with a special water canon greeting by the Airport Fire Service.

Bristol’s new Airbus 320 is a larger aircraft, than the current A319 aircraft (156 seats) and gives the airline the ability to fly longer distances, which means the airline can now offer not only short haul European destinations, but also for the first time medium haul routes to areas such as the Canaries, Crete, Cyprus & Turkey.

Sophie Dekkers, easyJet’s commercial manager, said: “The arrival of our first A320 into Bristol offers more choice for customers, as Bristol’s largest airline, easyJet now offers a total of 42 routes from Bristol airport, with flights to Cyprus launching tomorrow (14 April) and flights to Crete, Dalaman and Bodrum starting mid-July.  The secret to our success is offering the lowest fares, to the most convenient airports.”

Shaun Browne, Aviation Director at Bristol Airport, said: “The A320 has strong links to the South West and its arrival is great news for travellers across the region.  We are delighted to see easyJet operating modern, efficient aircraft which provide a great service to passengers coupled with improved environmental performance.”