EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren to step down next year

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Johan Lundgren is to step down as chief executive of Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, within a year after seven years at the helm. “There are important things still to accomplish over the balance of the year, but when the time comes, I will leave easyJet with a great sense of loyalty and of pride at the progress made and the potential the company has for the future.” The chair of easyJet, Sir Stephen Hester, praised Mr Lundgren for “steering the company through the immense challenges of the Covid period”, as well as “setting up a clear strategy and strong execution plan towards its ambition of ‘being Europe’s most-loved airline’”. open image in gallery EasyJet abandoned Southend in 2020 but will reopen its base next March News of Mr Lundgren’s departure accompanied easyJet’s half-year results for 2024. “Our dedicated onsite rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, London, with connections to the Elizabeth line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.” Aviation analyst Sean Moulton said: “The return of an easyJet base to London Southend, five years since its closure, will boost the viability of the airport.