EASYJET passengers flying to sunnier climes from Luton Airport in the coming weeks may not have been “truly wafted from paradise” – but they will be flying the flag for Luton’s city status bid.
Former Emmerdale actress and star of THAT 1970s Campari advert Lorraine Chase appeared at the airport this week to launch a specially named ‘Love Luton’ easyJet plane to back the bid.
Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK director, said: “Lorraine has become synonymous with Luton Airport since her Campari advert so there was no-one better suited to christen our ‘Love Luton’ aircraft. We’re immensely proud of our home town and wholeheartedly support the bid. City status would offer Luton the chance to build on its strengths to become one of Europe’s youngest and most vibrant cities.
“It would help the town attract new businesses and investment, boosting the local jobs market and economic growth. EasyJet’s international headquarters is located in Luton and we employ more than 1,350 people who are based at the airport. The city bid is clearly very important to us.”
Lorraine, who checked in as easyJet’s first-ever passenger at Luton Airport in 1995, also signed the city bid epetition.
Luton Airport managing director and chairman of the Love Luton city status bid, Glyn Jones, said: “EasyJet’s ‘Love Luton’ message is a fantastic illustration of Luton communities showing their support for the city bid and long-term regeneration of our region.”
Councillor Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “Luton’s bid for city status has attracted overwhelming support from the people of Luton and its businesses, it’s fantastic. Thanks to Lorraine and easyJet, the news of our bid will become known across Europe.”