EasyJet chief operating officer quits after weeks of cancellations

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EasyJet chief operating officer quits after weeks of cancellations

After weeks of turmoil and last-minute cancellations hit the airline's reputation for reliability and customer service, EasyJet is moving with its chief operating officer.

After two and a half years in the job, Peter Bellew had resigned to pursue other business opportunities, according to the airline. Bellew joined Ryanair shortly before the epidemic, in a move that the Irish airline tried to block in court.

His star waned and senior executive level changes had been looming since the chair of easyJet, Stephen Hester, took a closer charge in response to the crisis. The airline has had to cancel hundreds of flights during the half-term holidays due to problems at its main base in Gatwick.

David Morgan, who was interim COO before Bellew's appointment, will step up to the role again.

Johan Lundgren, the airline's chief executive, said that everyone at easyJet remains focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer.

Morgan has significant experience and deep knowledge of the business and operation, and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer. In May, easyJet canceled about 11,000 flights from its summer schedule, reducing its overall capacity from 97% of pre-pandemic levels to about 90%.

The entire aviation industry has been affected by labour shortages, from ground handling to air traffic control. This has left airlines struggling to meet demand after travel restrictions were lifted in the UK and elsewhere earlier this year.

EasyJet's executive team will be meeting in Palma, Mallorca this week to discuss plans for the crisis-hit summer. A spokesman said it was entirely appropriate for the management board to conduct business meetings around the network and regularly travel to our European bases.