'Massive expansion' in France for easyJet

UK-based airline easyJet has announced a "massive" expansion in France that will see its 18th and 19th bases open at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports in spring 2008.

The company claims that the developments will strengthen its position as "France's only significant low-cost airline" and the country's second largest carrier.

Five new aircraft will initially be based in France - three in the capital and two in Lyon.

These will operate a total of 13 routes that are expected to add an extra two million passengers to the six million that easyJet is expecting to carry through France this year.

Andy Harrison, chief executive of the airline, said: "Today's announcement is just the first step in our major investment that will see us double our presence in France by 2011 as we seek to bring the benefits of easyJet to France's air travellers and its wider society."

Over a four-year period easyJet plans to invest €600 million (£416 million) in its France operations and bring the annual number of passengers flying through the country to 12 million.

The low-cost carrier already offers 50 routes in the country and up to 40 daily flights to and from Paris.

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