easyJet reaches out to Africa

easyJet is expanding its empire with three new routes - all outside the European Union, including its first route to Africa. It will become one of the first northern low-cost players to serve the African continent. The budget carrier will start flying to Marrakech in Morocco, Istanbul in Turkey and Rijeka in Croatia.

Daily flights from London Luton to Istanbul will start 29 June, swiftly followed by the launch of four weekly flights from Luton to Rijeka and then daily service from London Gatwick to Marrakech. Basel to Istanbul service will also operate four times weekly.

"Croatia, Turkey and Morocco are forging an ever-closer relationship with the UK and Europe. As a consequence, the demand for low fares to these countries is growing quickly, and easyJet will be in a unique position to benefit from this development," said easyJet's new chief executive Andrew Harrison.

When announcing these new long-range routes, Harrison talked about improving the airline's profitability. "We now make ｣2 ($3.50) profit per passenger. That is a relatively low profit margin, but the goal is ｣4 per passenger in the next three years. Ryanair makes ｣5 per passenger."