EasyJet’s chief operating officer has resigned amid growing anger over flight cancellations.
The airline has canceled thousands of flights in recent months, including many on the day they were expected to depart for destinations.
EasyJet recently announced its plans to cut more flights during the intense summer period and apologized to customers for not “offering the service they expect from us.”
The company said chief operating officer Peter Bellew was leaving to “pursue other business opportunities”.
He has been with the company since 2019, having held the same position at Ryanair.
CEO Johan Lundgren said: “I would like to thank Peter for his effort and wish him all the best.
“Everyone at EasyJet stays absolutely focused on delivering safe and reliable operation this summer.”
Last month, the Unite union claimed there was a “lack of leadership” within EasyJet and said Mr Bellew should “take control of this situation”.
Like many airlines, EasyJet has been struggling with staff shortages, rising travel demand following the lifting of COVID restrictions and long waiting times for security clearance for new recruits.
The company’s cabin crew in Spain also voted in favor of the strike for nine days in July to demand wage increases, which has already led to some flight cancellations.
Sky News business presenter Ian King said it looks like Bellew has become the “man of the fall” of the airline’s problems.
Listen and subscribe to The Ian King Business Podcast here.
EasyJet has appointed David Morgan as interim chief operating officer.
He has been part of the company since 2016.
“I am pleased that the operations are in the highly trained hands of David Morgan, who can move perfectly into this role after having led the operation, as interim director of operations, throughout 2019,” Lundgren said.
“David has significant experience and in-depth knowledge of the business and operation, and will provide strong leadership for the airline this summer.”