Manchester Airport for £2! easyBus launching brand new route stopping at Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry
EasyJet owner Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is moving to Shropshire – with his easyBus.
The businessman, famed for the success of his budget airline, said he wants to take on other coach companies by offering services to Manchester Airport for as little as £2 each way.
There will be 16 services each day, seven days a week on the Telford to Manchester route, with easyBus initially investing in 12 low-emission orange mini-coaches.
The new enterprise will bring 15 jobs to the county.
The new service will be introduced to Shropshire for the first time from October 21.
The operation is the brainchild of businessman Andrew Martin, who will run the franchise on behalf of Sir Stelios and will take on established carriers including National Express.
The easyBus stops in Shropshire
He will direct easyBus services from Telford, calling at Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wrexham and Chester on the way to the airport.
Mr Martin said he was initially offering 10,000 coach seats for £2 from the five destinations en route, with returns booked online for £4.
He said: "I have experience of how this low cost airport transfer operation works in France, where it is a huge success.
"We are seeking to replicate this in the UK, starting with the Midlands in Telford and Shrewsbury.
"Our research has identified Shropshire as a key part of the cheap bus travel plan for holidaymakers, business people and anyone wishing to have a day out."
He added: "We are looking forward to launching our most exciting project in this region."
The journey will start from Telford Bus Station, with stops at Shrewsbury Bus Station, Bicton Heath Co-op, Oswestry Mile End Services, Wrexham General Railway Station and Chester South Holiday Inn before arriving at Manchester Airport Bus Station.
The first journey will leave Shrewsbury at 4am, with the last leaving Manchester at 12.45am.
How to get the easyBus £2 fare
The £2 tickets will only be for online customers, with walk-up passengers being charged more.
Mr Martin said: "We consider this to be revolutionary.
"It is cheap bus travel that arrived and is here to stay.
"The service is open to anyone, not just easyJet travellers."
Sir Stelios, easyGroup chairman and "easy" brand owner, said: "We want to help the Shropshire traveller's pound go that little bit further – particularly after sterling's fall – which means more opportunity to enjoy what their holiday destinations have to offer.
"I am also confident we can create a big impact in the county by making Manchester Airport more accessible to those on a budget."
