EasyJet CEO resigns amid growing anger over flight cancellations | Business newsletter
EasyJet’s CEO has resigned amid growing anger over flight cancellations.
The airline has cut thousands of flights in recent months, many of them on the day they were scheduled to depart.
EasyJet recently announced plans to cut more flights during the busy summer period and apologized to the customer for not “providing the service they expected from us”.
The company said chief executive Peter Bellew would leave to “pursue other business opportunities”.
He has been with the company since 2019, having previously held a similar role at Ryanair.
Chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “I want to thank Peter for his hard work and wish him good health.
“Everyone at EasyJet remains fully focused on providing a safe and reliable operation this summer.”
Last month, the union Unite claimed there was a “lack of leadership” in EasyJet and said Mr Bellew should “take control of the situation”.
Like many other airlines, EasyJet is grappling with staff shortages, increased travel demand after the pandemic and long wait times for security clearances for new recruits.
Corporate flight attendants in Spain also vote to strike for nine days in July to ask for a raise, which resulted in a number of flights being cancelled.
Sky News business host Ian King said Mr Bellew appeared to have been branded a “failure” because of the airline’s problems.
Listen and subscribe Podcast of Ian King Business here.
EasyJet has appointed David Morgan as interim chief executive officer.
He has been with the company since 2016.
Mr. Lundgren said: “I am delighted that the operations will be in the very capable hands of David Morgan, who can move seamlessly into this role, who has previously led the operation, as director. interim chief executive officer, throughout 2019.
“David has significant experience and deep knowledge of the business and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer.”