September 10th 2024.
Wizz Air, a budget airline known for its affordable flights, has some exciting news for travelers. They have just announced a new long-haul route from Gatwick Airport in London to Jeddah, a bustling port city in Saudi Arabia. The best part? Tickets for this route start at less than £140!
This new route will be operated by Wizz Air's fleet of new Airbus A321XLR jets, which were recently ordered from the manufacturer. These jets are designed for long-haul flights and will help Wizz Air expand its reach to new destinations. Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in the UK, will be the first to receive these new jets.
Speaking at a press conference, Jozsef Varadi, the chief executive of Wizz Air, acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline industry due to recent delays at Gatwick Airport. He mentioned that air traffic control remains a major issue, not just in the UK but also globally. The pandemic, technology outages, and airspace closures have all contributed to these delays.
Wizz Air has been in the news for being named the worst UK airline for delays for the third year in a row. However, the airline is making efforts to improve its performance and Varadi assured that they are working towards addressing the issue. Despite these challenges, Wizz Air remains optimistic and is excited about the new Jeddah route.
The A321XLR jets are known for their fuel efficiency, burning up to 30% less fuel per seat compared to the previous model. This makes them a cost-effective choice for long-haul flights. Along with Jeddah, Wizz Air has also announced a new route from Milan to Abu Dhabi using these jets.
The Gatwick to Jeddah route will be the longest UK route for Wizz Air, with a flight time of around seven hours. The overnight flight will offer non-reclinable but ergonomic seats that provide a sense of space. This announcement comes at a time when Gatwick Airport has been facing disruptions and delays, leading to calls for the head of air traffic control to step down.
While Wizz Air did not disclose the cost of these new planes, industry experts estimate them to be around £98.9 million each. In comparison, British Airways has also announced a route to Jeddah from its base at Heathrow Airport. When asked about the pricing difference between the two airlines, Varadi mentioned that it is ultimately up to each airline to decide on their pricing strategy. However, he did mention that Wizz Air's costs are significantly lower than British Airways'.
British Airways may have a larger fleet and workforce, as well as a wider reach to 80 countries, but Wizz Air is not far behind with 223 aircraft and destinations in 54 countries. With the launch of this new route, Wizz Air is proving its commitment to providing affordable and efficient travel options for its customers.
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