Passengers booking EasyJet flights to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport over the next week can enjoy an especially colourful departure from Birmingham. This follows yesterday’s launch of the low-cost airline’s new base at Birmingham Airport and the unveiling of a mural honouring Ozzy Osbourne, Benjamin Zephaniah and other local “heroes”.
Birmingham is EasyJet’s ninth U.K. base and first new base in the U.K. in more than a decade. The first flight from Birmingham to Alicante-Elche Airport arrived earlier this morning – one of 10 new routes planned by EasyJet for this summer season.
Speaking at the launch, EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren said, “We are excited to open our newest U.K. base at Birmingham, providing more choice, competition and connectivity… This base is enabling us to unlock the opportunity of the strong demand which exists for both leisure and business travel, as well as further grow our share of the package holiday market. We see much untapped potential at the airport providing the opportunity to grow further in future years.”
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport (BHX), added, ”Today sees our growing partnership with EasyJet reach new heights as the airline bases three aircraft here at Birmingham Airport. Customers can now take advantage of the airline’s 16 new routes and have the flexibility of flight only or a full package holiday.”
According to West Midlands mayor Andy Street, “EasyJet’s decision to set up this new base at BHX will be warmly welcomed by thousands of holidaymakers across the West Midlands and beyond. The increase in destinations is not only great news for those heading off to the sun this summer but also for our business community, helping them forge new overseas trade links.”
Inspiring Airport Mural
Musician Ozzy Osbourne, late poet Benjamin Zephaniah, 11-year-old fundraiser Ryan Hulance and football coach Asha Rage are among those honoured in the new mural unveiled at Birmingham Airport.
Commissioned by EasyJet and EasyJet Holidays and created by local street artist Gent 48 (aka Josh Billingham), the artwork celebrates “the best of Birmingham, capturing the many cultures, traditions and icons of Britain’s ‘second city’”.
In addition to welcoming travellers departing from and arriving in the city, the mural also recognises local heroes who have made significant contributions to the neighbouring community.
Ryan Hulance, for example, turns waste into charitable food donations, by collecting empty tin cans from businesses and locals and selling the scrap metal to purchase items for food banks; while Asha Rage has harnessed football to keep young people away from gang violence and build bridges in the community.
Birmingham-based EasyJet cabin crew member and community volunteer Kieron Sparkes is also celebrated in the mural for his work supporting The Mary Stevens Hospice. In addition, the installation draws inspiration from Birmingham’s iconic culture including its famous “curry mile”, manufacturing history and energetic arts scene.
It features poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah, with permission from his brother Dave Springer, who said, “Our family are incredibly proud that Benjamin’s tireless fight for justice and social change still resonates, not just in Birmingham but globally and that his cultural iconic status cements a lasting legacy of hope.”
Artist Gent 48 spent 120 hours creating the piece, which measures 2.4 metres tall and 4.8 metres wide, and occupies six square metres (62 square feet) of the airport terminal. “There is far more to Birmingham than meets the eye,” said the artist. “I hope that my latest work inspires visitors to look more closely at the incredible people and culture the city has to offer.”
The mural will be at Birmingham Airport until next week for visitors to enjoy, before being donated to a community group in the local area.