EasyJet 'strengthens position' at Gatwick

Low-fares airline easyJet has announced the acquisition of GB Airways, a development it said would further strengthen its position at Gatwick Airport.

The carrier announced that it had agreed to buy GB Airways, excluding its slots at Heathrow Airport, for £103.5 million.

GB Airways is a Gatwick-based point-to-point airline that served destinations in southern Europe and north Africa under a previous franchise agreement with British Airways.

It operates a total of 39 routes - 28 from Gatwick, six from Manchester Airport and five from Heathrow.

Gatwick is already easyJet's biggest base and the acquisition of GB Airways means that the carrier will operate 24 per cent of the airport's slots and fly approximately eight million passengers across 62 routes.

Andy Harrison, chief executive of easyJet, said: "This is an acquisition which both strengthens our customer offering at London Gatwick, our biggest base with an attractive catchment area, and allows us to fully capitalise on the potential of the airport through a larger number of slots.

"The deal will bring major benefits to both easyJet and GB Airways customers, delivering a wider choice of destinations."

The airline said it would cooperate with British Airways to ensure a "smooth and orderly" transition for customers.

Posted by Graham Greenaway on the 26/10/2007 10:48:10
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