Stansted: Major New Ryanair Deal Signed

16 September 2013, 15:18 | Updated: 16 September 2013, 16:48

The new deal will mean 21 million people will fly with Ryanair from Stansted Airport by 2023.

The owners of Stansted Airport have signed a deal with Ryanair which will see 21 million people fly with the airline from there by 2023.

Currently just over 13 million Ryanair passengers fly from the Essex terminal each year. 

The deal will also see six new Ryanair planes based there - taking the number to 43 - as well as increasing the number of routes from 116 to 120.

Ryanair says it will also see up to 7,000 new jobs created over a five year period.

Manchester Airport Group, who only bought Stansted six months ago, says the deal represents a "new and exciting era" at the airport and it comes just months after the company announced an £80 million redevelopment of the terminal. 

Ken O'Toole, M.A.G's Chief Commercial Officer, said: "The new long term agreement between Ryanair and MAG at Stansted shows that competition really does work, and it represents great news for both passengers and UK businesses. 

"The deal secures a new and exciting era for both Ryanair and Stansted, and we're delighted to be supporting the airline's growth over the next ten years. 

"We acquired Stansted in February this year believing we could significantly expand the services on offer by competing more effectively to make the most of the airport's untapped potential and spare capacity. 

"We were confident Stansted would grow if we offered great value to airlines, increased passenger choice and better services and facilities. "Stansted has a really bright future in providing international connectivity for the UK. 

"Over the next five years, M.A.G wants to make Stansted the best airport in London so we will continue to compete hard to win business from airlines in our drive for passenger growth and to provide customers with even more choice." 

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's Chief Executive, said: "Ryanair is pleased to have agreed a new 10 year growth deal at London Stansted with M.A.G. This deal will see our Stansted traffic grow by over 50%, from 13.2m in 2012 to over 20m p.a. in return for lower costs and more efficient facilities at Stansted. 

"This agreement proves how UK airports can flourish when released from the dead hand of the BAA monopoly and is the first dramatic initiative by M.A.G to reverse 7 years of decline, during which Stansted's traffic fell from 23.8m to 17.5m."