News in brief

Ryanair has announced a new base at London Southend Airport from April 2019. There will be three aircraft operating 13 new routes to destinations in eight countries, including Barcelona, Corfu, Dublin, and Venice.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Keeger is to retire at the end of the year after five years in the role. He will be replaced from January 1, 2019 by Shai Weiss, currently EVP, chief commercial officer and a member of Virgin’s board of directors.

Oman Air has made new UK management appointments in order to work more closely with travel agents. Nick Beauchamp joins from Icelandair as sales executive, while Kamani Hewagama has been named office co-ordinator.