Wizz Air sets up a British airline at its Luton base for after Brexit

Budget carrier Wizz Air has ensured it can continue to fly post-Brexit by creating a new UK airline with Luton as its base.

Wizz Air UK represents a £633 million investment for the east European group. It will have eight brand-new Airbus aeroplanes in operation by the end of 2018 and directly employ 300 people.

The airline said obtaining a UK air operator’s certificate and operating licence completed a key part of its contingency plans for Brexit.

While Britain is in the European Union, airlines based outside the country are able to operate without these certificates.

József Váradi, chief executive, said: “Wizz Air has been committed to the UK ever since our very first flight landed at London Luton in 2004 and our continued expansion will mean additional investment and jobs in the UK.”

Rival operator easyJet has set up a European airline based in Vienna to be certain flights are not disrupted while Ryanair is applying for a UK air operator’s certificate.