EasyJet founder in new battle with African low-cost carrier
EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou has called for the removal of the chief executive of African low-cost carrier fastjet.
Sir Stelios, who owns 12% of fastjet, has written to the chairman Colin Child stating he has lost faith in the airline’s management.
He criticised its ‘ridiculously high cost base’ and the fact that the airline’s management office is in Gatwick and yet its operations are in Tanzania.
Chief executive Ed Winter has announced his intention to step down but Sir Stelios has called for a general meeting to remove him sooner.
He is also pushing for the removal of board director Krista Bates.
Fastjet said a further announcement would be made in due course, adding: "Fastjet notes the statement published by Stelios Haji-Ioannou/easyGroup…. Since the launch of the airline in 2012, fastjet has made considerable progress towards its goal to become African’s first true low-cost pan-African airline despite facing significant challenges outside the company’s control."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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