Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has been granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and Operating Licence (OL) for the UK.
Wizz Air UK, a wholly-owned subsidiary, starts flying today from London Luton to Bucharest.
The airline sought the licences as part of its contingency plans after Britain voted to leave the European Union.
Having a UK-based airline means it would be able continue to operate flights to and from Britain in the event that no aviation deal is agreed.~
"While Wizz Air UK is a key part of our Brexit contingency plan, it is also the first genuine ultra-low cost carrier licensed in the UK and the natural next-step in the development of our UK business, putting us in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities that may arise in what remains Europe’s largest travel market," said Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi.
"Wizz Air has been committed to the UK ever since our very first flight landed at London Luton in 2004 and our continued expansion will mean additional investment and jobs in the UK as we build our current position as the eighth largest airline operating in the UK."
Wizz Air UK will have eight new Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft in service by the end of this year.
With the addition of Wizz Air UK, the group will have almost 9 million seats on sale to and from the UK in 2018, 14% growth year on year.
