EasyJet is stepping down from its chief operating officer, after weeks of turmoil and last-minute cancellations that affected the airline’s reputation for reliability and customer service.
The airline said Peter Bellew had resigned “to look for other business opportunities” after two-and-a-half years in office. Bellew joined rival Ryanair shortly before the pandemic, in a move that the Irish airline tried to block in the courts.
Peter Bellew. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan / Reuters
However, his star has waned since then and changes at the top executive level had been seen since easyJet president Stephen Hester began taking closer positions in response to the crisis. Problems at its main base in Gatwick, in particular, caused the airline to cancel hundreds of flights at the last minute during the mid-term holidays.
David Morgan, who was interim COO before Bellew’s appointment, will return to the post.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of the airline, said: “Everyone at easyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering safe and reliable operation this summer.
“[Morgan] has significant experience and in-depth knowledge of the business and operation and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer. ”
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Last month, easyJet canceled about 11,000 flights from its daylight saving time, reducing total capacity by 97% from pre-pandemic levels by around 90%.
The entire aviation industry has been affected by labor shortages, from ground handling to air traffic control. This has made it difficult for airlines to meet demand after travel restrictions in the UK and elsewhere were lifted earlier this year.
The EasyJet executive team will meet in Palma, Mallorca, this week to discuss plans for the summer affected by the crisis. A spokesman said that “it was entirely appropriate for the board of directors to hold online business meetings and to travel regularly to our European bases.”