EasyJet: The Story of Britain's Biggest Low-Cost Airline

by Lois Jones

EasyJet has always been a colorful enterprise, thanks to both its charismatic and self-promoting Greek founder, Stelios Haji-Oannou, and its bright orange planes and publicity material. Beginning as a modest low-cost operation with a couple of elderly leased 737s between Luton and Glasgow, it is now one of the biggest airlines in Europe. It has brought not only Spain, Portugal, and the Highlands of Scotland within reach of every traveller's pocket, but has also recently opened up the new member countries of the EU to tourism and cheap business travel with regular flights to Slovenia, Estonia, and Hungary. This is the story of easyJet's business success, the flamboyant stunts it has used to steal a march on its competitors, and the wider social changes its cheap flights have brought about.

Genres: Management, Business

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid verbose of the company ‘easyJet’, though sadly now very outdated.
I enjoyed most the chapters on the airlines’ foundation and its impact in Eastern Europe, but feel that a revised edition chronicling the turbulence of the last 15 years (the financial crash, $100 barrel oil, the growth of environmental concerns & the impact of corona virus to name a few) would make for even more interesting reading.

[Marcin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well written story of EasyJet & the way low-cost airlines changed our lives.

[Birdie Brietling · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not really motivating but it just tells you a little bit about how the company started and basically talks about them being the cheapest airline because they removed the unnecessary perks such as airline food, etc. Chapters 1 and 2 were interesting until the book started getting repetitive and full of unnecessary details. I wouldn’t suggest that you read it unless you are very bored and you have money to waste lol

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

EasyJet provides a fascinating look at the No Frills airline that redefined travel in Europe and blazed a trail as unique as Southwest in the United States. EasyJet was one of the first low cost carriers to operate out of major airports carrying passengers for a fraction of the cost to destinations across Europe. EasyJet made it possible for your average Londoner to go shopping in Scotland for a day on a plane price that was cheaper than car or train. They made it possible for wild stag parties to invade Eastern Europe and transform the culture of cities.

EasyJet focuses on an absolute no fills approach. No water, food, blankets or loyalty programs. Every cost is carefully maintained and quick turnarounds with long flights for the crews are not uncommon. There are no assurances with EasyJet and the passenger horror stories are abound. Despite all of that it is one of the most trafficked airlines in Europe. This book details how it came into prominence and the ways in which EasyJet has remained competitive. It is well written and a fun look at how one airline has changed the facet of modern life.

[Nathan Schumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very interesting book. Anyone interested in aviation or business should give this a read.