easyJet's 200th aircraft touches down at Bristol Airport and Helvetic Airways takes off for Zurich

Passengers and plane-spotters alike were treated to an unusual sight on Wednesday, November 3, when easyJet's 200th aircraft made its first visit to Bristol Airport.

The Airbus A320 joined the easyJet fleet earlier this year and has a distinctive all orange colour scheme.  

easyJet is Europe's largest A320 operator, and also has the world's largest fleet of A319s.

Both aircraft families have strong links to the South West, with wings designed at Airbus site in Filton.

easyJet bases 10 aircraft at Bristol Airport year-round, with an 11th plane operating through the peak summer months and it is its biggest regional base.  

The airline serves 43 destinations from Bristol and directly employs more than 400 people at the airport.  

During the past decade, easyJet has carried millions of people to and from the south west.

Bristol Airport aviation director Shaun Browne said: "The 200th aircraft is an eye-catching symbol of the modern and efficient fleet operated by easyJet.  

"We look forward to welcoming her back in future as she brings more passengers from across Europe to Bristol."

• Helvetic Airways has announced a new route between Bristol and Zurich from the beginning of December. Flights linking the south west with the Swiss financial centre will operate three times a week. Tickets can be purchased via www.helvetic.com and went on sale yesterday, November 3, with return fares from £145. Zurich is home to the world's fourth biggest stock exchange and is a centre for banking and insurance, pharmaceuticals, and high technology industries, as well as the world's largest gold trading market. Zurich also has much to offer leisure travellers, with a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene coupled with a rich history centred on the medieval old town. The city's airport also serves renowned ski resorts such as Klosters, Grindelwald and Wengen. Helvetic Airways is the 12th scheduled airline operating from Bristol Airport.