A decision is expected in the next few weeks and budget arline easyJet invited Ms Chase (pictured) to christen its new ‘Love Luton’ aircraft as part of the bid for city status.
Lorraine Chase, who checked in easyJet’s first ever passenger at Luton Airport in 1995, also signed the city status bid petition.
She rose to fame in a TV commercial for Campari which spawned her catchphrase “Luton Airport!” as a reply to the question: "Were you truly wafted here from paradise?”
easyJet UK director Paul Simmons said: “Lorraine has become synonymous with Luton Airport since her Campari advert so there was no one better suited to christen our ‘Love Luton’ aircraft.
"We are immensely proud of our home town and wholeheartedly support the bid. City status would offer Luton the chance to build on its strengths to become one of Europe’s youngest and most vibrant cities.
“It would help the town attract new businesses and investment, boosting the local jobs market and economic growth."
The airline’s UK headquarters are at London Luton, where easyJet employs more than 1,350 people. "The city bid is clearly very important to us," said Mr Simmons.
Airport managing director Glyn Jones, who chairs the Love Luton bid, said: “easyJet’s love Luton message is a fantastic illustration of Luton communities showing their support for the city bid and long-term regeneration of our region,"
Luton Borough Council leader Cllr Hazel Simmons added: “Luton’s bid for city status has attracted overwhelming support from the people of Luton and its businesses. Thanks to Lorraine and easyJet, the news of our bid will become known across Europe.”
