Easyjet chief executive Andy Harrison to resign

EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison is to stand down next year in order to ‘seek new challenges’. Harrison will remain in charge until June 30^th 2010 and play a big part in helping the budget airline to find a successor.

Andy Harrison commented: "I have loved being a part of easyJet's success but am now looking forward to moving on to a new challenge."

"I am looking forward to being part of the process of selecting my successor and am committed to ensuring a smooth transition."

The low cost airline has also announced that Sir Michael Rake is to replace Sir David Michels as Chairman from January 1^st. Sir Michael Rake, who joined the easyJet board in June 2009 said: "Andy Harrison has done a great job over the past four years and under his leadership, easyJet has developed into a truly pan-European airline operating Europe's leading air transport network."

easyJet is expected to have 207 aircraft in its fleet by 2012, up from the 181 it had in September this year.