On Friday (1 June), the largest European air transport network, EasyJet, inaugurated the first of two new routes announced for summer 2018. The capital of the Algarve is now connected to Milan Malpensa airport, with the route available on Mondays and Fridays.
In the morning, the first 154 passengers arriving from Milan at Faro were treated to live music, flowers, company offers and a very warm welcome; while the first 104 to travel from the Algarve to Milan enjoyed cake and juices.
José Lopes, director of EasyJet for Portugal, revealed that the company’s commitment in the Algarve this year centres on Italy. In July it will inaugurate the Faro-Naples route, meaning the Algarve city will have more options for the company’s destinations than any other airport in Portugal.
Reviewing the end of the first half of the year, José Lopes said the numbers could not be more positive. “We have now closed the first half of 2018 with growth here in the Algarve of close to 17 per cent, which was more than double the national average of eight per cent. The company’s highest growth was recorded at Faro International Airport.”
As for new routes, the EasyJet director said, “The secret is the soul of the business”, adding that it will continue to “present surprises” at the right time.
Alberto Mota Borges, director of Faro Airport, praised the operation for its contribution to the Algarve region, as it “strengthens the connection to a growing market by creating new connections and more connectivity”. He also congratulated the airline for the “robustness of its operation for Faro in summer 2018, and for its continuous effort in diversifying the offer to and from Faro Airport”. Alberto Borges concluded that the route to both Milan and Naples would be supported by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal and Turismo de Portugal.