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LONDON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Airline easyJet willcampaign for Britain to stay in the European Union, with itschief executive telling consumers that membership encourages lowcost travel between European cities.
Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to renegotiateBritain's ties with Europe and then allow voters a referendum onEU membership by the end of 2017.
Stepping into a highly charged political debate, easyJetsaid the EU was good for its business and its customers.
"We will do everything we can to make sure that consumersunderstand that they are far better off within the EU when itcomes to connectivity and low fares," easyJet's chief executiveCarolyn McCall said on Tuesday.
McCall is part of the pro-European lobby group, "BritainStronger in Europe", headed by former Marks & Spencer chiefexecutive Stuart Rose. EasyJet would not be shy about itssupport, McCall said.
"We are very much happy to talk in favour of Britainremaining in the EU," she said in a conference call withfinancial analysts.
Rival budget airline Ryanair has also urged Britain to stay in the EU.
Several large British businesses have spoken out in favourof the EU, often due to the benefits of tariff-less trade. Manysmaller firms have criticised the bloc for imposing what theyargue are costly regulations.
easyJet operates over 600 routes, many of which are in theEU, with flights which connect London, Edinburgh and Bristolwith European hubs such Paris, Geneva and Rome.
"We think it would be very difficult for our government tonegotiate with 27 other member states to get the flying rightsthat we have today within the EU," McCall said.
EasyJet has detailed contingency plans in place, however,should voters opt for Britain to leave the EU.
"We have a plan but it's not a plan that we will discussovertly," she said.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Keith Weir)
