Airline unveils city-inspired artwork at new base

EasyJet said the airport artwork celebrates the best of Birmingham

An airline has unveiled artwork inspired by Birmingham and its people at its new base at the city's airport.

The large mural was unveiled on Monday to mark EasyJet opening its ninth base in the UK at Birmingham Airport.

The artwork, created by Birmingham graffiti artist Gent 48, includes depictions of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne and the late writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

The mural would remain on display in the airport terminal until next week before being donated to a local community group, the airline said.

Artist Josh Billingham created the mural

The work captured the many cultures, traditions and icons of the city, as well as those who had made a significant contribution to the area, it added.

They include an 11-year-old boy who sells scrap metal to buy items for food banks, and a football coach using the sport to help keep young people away from gang violence.

"There is far more to Birmingham than meets the eye," said Gent 48, aka Josh Billingham, who spent 120 hours on the work.

The airline's CEO, Johan Lundgren, described the mural as a "wonderful tribute" to the opening of its new base, and what the firm was "proud to provide to the region."

Having a new base at Birmingham Airport would support 1,200 jobs, EasyJet said.

The firm already flies from Birmingham, but none of its aircraft had been stationed there.