EasyJet marks 30 years of budget flights amid growth and climate debates

EasyJet marks 30 years of budget flights amid growth and climate debates

EasyJet celebrated its 30th anniversary on Monday, marking three decades since its inaugural flight from Luton Airport to Glasgow on 10 November 1995. The airline, now the UK's largest, has transformed air travel accessibility while facing criticism over its environmental impact.

From a single plane to Europe's skies

Founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou after studying U.S. low-cost carriers, EasyJet began with a single aircraft and 77 employees. The name emerged from a napkin doodle-"Easy" won over alternatives like "Stel-Air" and "CheapJet." Luton, then seen as remote, became its strategic base due to low costs. "It was a risky choice, but it paid off," Haji-Ioannou recalled.

Today, the airline operates 356 planes, serves over 1,200 routes, and employs 19,000 people, including 3,847 in Luton. Its rapid expansion was fueled by bold marketing-like boarding a rival's flight in orange jumpsuits-and the 1999 ITV documentary Airline, which "put EasyJet in every British home," Haji-Ioannou said.

'A hive of activity' behind the scenes

Jane Boulton, a check-in supervisor featured in Airline, described the early days as "hectic but fun." Turnarounds were tight: 20 minutes to disembark, refuel, and reboard. "Passengers saw simplicity, but behind the scenes, it was nonstop," she said. The airline's casual vibe-denim uniforms and reusable plastic boarding cards-contrasted with "prim and proper" competitors.

"Stelios is a genius. The documentary was free advertising-phones lit up after each episode."

Jane Boulton, former EasyJet check-in supervisor

Democratizing travel-at a cost

EasyJet's rise mirrored the broader budget-airline boom, making flights affordable for millions. Cathy Adams of The Times noted: "Before EasyJet, air travel was elite. Now, £2.99 return trips to Europe are routine." Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins called the airline a "game-changer" for local workers, offering flights cheaper than "a pair of Levi's."

Yet critics highlight the environmental toll. In 2024, EasyJet emitted 8 million tonnes of CO₂-more than Albania or Sierra Leone. George Hibberd, a former EasyJet pilot and co-founder of climate group Safe Landing, warned: "Aviation connects cultures, but emissions are soaring. The industry's growth cancels out efficiency gains."

"The majority of emissions come from frequent fliers. We need a levy to curb excess."

George Hibberd, former EasyJet pilot

Net-zero pledges under scrutiny

EasyJet's 2050 net-zero plan relies on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and fleet upgrades. Chief Operating Officer David Morgan acknowledged aviation's decarbonization challenges but cited progress: "We invest in the most efficient planes and use SAF where mandated." Critics like Hibberd call the roadmap "misleading," noting it measures emissions per passenger, not total output.

Despite climate concerns, expansion continues. After launching a Southend base in 2025, EasyJet will add Newcastle and Marrakech in 2026. "We're exploring North Africa, Iceland-emerging markets," Morgan said. "Our mission is to be Europe's most loved airline."

Legacy and future flight paths

As EasyJet enters its fourth decade, its dual legacy-affordable travel and environmental strain-remains contentious. While celebratory voices like Hopkins' praise its economic impact, activists urge restraint. Hibberd's call for a "temporary reduction in flights" clashes with the airline's growth ambitions.

For now, EasyJet's orange planes continue crisscrossing Europe, a symbol of both opportunity and the climate dilemma facing modern aviation.