EasyJet’s Air Berlin deal wins approval
EasyJet has won EU approval to buy bankrupt carrier Air Berlin’s operations at Berlin’s Tegel Airport.
"EasyJet’s plans to buy certain Air Berlin assets will not reduce competition and we have approved it today," EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
"Our decision enables easyJet to grow its presence at Berlin airports and start competing on new routes to the benefit of consumers."
The EU’s anti-trust authority has already stated that it is more concerned about Lufthansa’s takeover of routes operated by its failed rival.
EasyJet plans to take over the leases of up to 25 Air Berlin A320s and take over its slots in Berlin, where it will compete with Lufthansa.
The UK-based budget airline is also planning to recruit around 1,000 Air Berlin pilots and cabin crew over the coming months, to be employed on German contracts.
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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