British budget airline EasyJet has agreed in principle to a revised takeover offer from U.S. investment firm Castlelake, valuing the carrier at £5.5 billion ($7.34 billion). The latest bid offers shareholders £6.90 per share, a 73% premium over easyJet's May 29 closing price. The proposed deal could reshape Europe's aviation sector, though a final binding agreement has yet to be signed.

EasyJet backs Castlelake's €6.1 billion takeover offer

Passengers on a British airline got a massive scare mid-air when a drunk passenger tried to enter the cockpit. An easyJet flight headed to the Greek party island of Kos was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday after horror unfolded at 30,000 feet in the air.

The passenger fought with the crew and broke the in-flight intercom. The Sun reported that he also tried to open one of the exit doors to try and "get off&nbsp;mid-air".

The crew and other fellow travellers managed to stop him from opening the cockpit and the exit doors and restrained him. He was later arrested upon landing. Photos showed him lying on the foot of the aircraft on the tarmac.

The incident happened on an Airbus A320 after it experienced turbulence. The drunk man started fighting with the crew, calling the pilot "rubbish". He made a dash for the cockpit saying that he was taking over the controls. People watched in horror as he created commotion inside the airplane.

The crew pinned the drunk man to the floor of the aircraft as people cheered them on. The flight was then diverted to Munich, Germany, where emergency services and police were waiting for the unruly passenger on the tarmac where he was arrested and taken away in handcuffs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-south-african-president-zumas-daughter-to-marry-polygamous-king-to-be-his-16th-wife-756021">Ex-South African president Zuma's daughter to marry polygamous king and become his 16th wife</a>

<h2>Angry passengers spend night in Munich&nbsp;</h2>

Social media videos showed the man being removed from the airplane as other passengers jeered and one of them shouted "get off you loser."&nbsp;

Some passengers said that he was seen drinking a lot of whiskey before and during the flight. “The man was so drunk and there was rising anger at how he was allowed to board the plane so clearly sozzled, let alone continue drinking," one of the passengers told The Sun.

“He was seen necking what looked like whiskey from a glass bottle on the plane. How was this allowed to happen?”

Upset holidaymakers spent the night a local hotels. They were later waiting for a connecting flight to Greece.&nbsp;

EasyJet said in a statement, "While such incidents are rare, we do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour.” 
&nbsp;

Passengers on a British airline got a massive scare mid-air when a drunk passenger tried to enter the cockpit. An easyJet flight headed to the Greek party island of Kos was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday after horror unfolded at 30,000 feet in the air.

Passengers on a British airline got a massive scare mid-air when a drunk passenger tried to enter the cockpit. An easyJet flight headed to the Greek party island of Kos was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday after horror unfolded at 30,000 feet in the air. The passenger fought with the crew and broke the in-flight intercom. The Sun reported that he also tried to open one of the exit doors to try and "get off mid-air". The crew and other fellow travellers managed to stop him from opening the cockpit and the exit doors and restrained him. He was later arrested upon landing. Photos showed him lying on the foot of the aircraft on the tarmac. The incident happened on an Airbus A320 after it experienced turbulence. The drunk man started fighting with the crew, calling the pilot "rubbish". He made a dash for the cockpit saying that he was taking over the controls. People watched in horror as he created commotion inside the airplane. The crew pinned the drunk man to the floor of the aircraft as people cheered them on. The flight was then diverted to Munich, Germany, where emergency services and police were waiting for the unruly passenger on the tarmac where he was arrested and taken away in handcuffs. Also read: Ex-South African president Zuma's daughter to marry polygamous king and become his 16th wife Angry passengers spend night in Munich Social media videos showed the man being removed from the airplane as other passengers jeered and one of them shouted "get off you loser." Some passengers said that he was seen drinking a lot of whiskey before and during the flight. “The man was so drunk and there was rising anger at how he was allowed to board the plane so clearly sozzled, let alone continue drinking," one of the passengers told The Sun. “He was seen necking what looked like whiskey from a glass bottle on the plane. How was this allowed to happen?” Upset holidaymakers spent the night a local hotels. They were later waiting for a connecting flight to Greece. EasyJet said in a statement, "While such incidents are rare, we do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour.”

Drunk passenger tries to enter cockpit mid-air, says 'I will take the controls'

Passengers aboard an EasyJet plane were left mortified after the aircraft plummeted 200 metres, leaving two cabin crew injured&nbsp;while&nbsp;they were preparing to serve food.&nbsp;

According to reports, the flight&nbsp;carrying 181 passengers left Corfu, an island in Greece around 12:44 pm local time on Monday (Aug 19), and was bound for London Gatwick. Shortly after the takeoff, the plane encountered severe turbulence when it was cruising at&nbsp;speed in excess of 484 miles per hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The cabin crew members were jerked around violently and slammed into the aircraft's walls. They sustained injuries serious enough for the pilot to divert the flight and land at Rome's Fiumicino Airport so that they could be treated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Fabulous holiday ended with a nightmare journey back from Corfu with terrible turbulence in which we plummeted 200m and two cabin crew were injured with broken leg resulting in emergency diversion to Rome for them to be taken to hospital and a 6-hour wait to be rescued by EasyJet," passenger Becky Walters said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

"They sent out the big guns and shepherded us home with constant updates from captain who spoke to us all in the cabin before flying and kept us constantly updated during return also turbulent flight. A great PR rescue but they handled it really well in the end."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-30-injured-as-turbulence-hits-air-europa-plane-737265">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 30 injured as turbulence hits Air Europa plane</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-30-injured-as-turbulence-hits-air-europa-plane-737265/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Airline's statement</h2>

After the incident, EasyJet released a statement and said the safety of passengers remained their utmost priority.&nbsp;

"The flight on August 19 experienced turbulence which unfortunately injured two cabin crew members. As a result, the captain decided to divert the flight to Rome, where the flight attendants received medical assistance," said the airline.&nbsp;

"The safety and well-being of our customers and crew are easyJet's top priority, and our pilots are trained to manage turbulence," it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeings-turbulence-woes-continue-air-europa-flight-makes-emergency-landing-in-brazil-736897">Also read |&nbsp;Boeing's turbulence woes continue: Air Europa flight makes Emergency landing in Brazil</a>

In May, earlier this year, at least one passenger died while several others were injured after a Boeing 777 plane, operated by Singapore Airlines experienced severe turbulence at around 37,000ft and plunged rapidly.&nbsp;

There were 211 passengers onboard, in addition to the 18 crew members.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Passengers aboard an EasyJet plane were left mortified after the aircraft plummeted 200 metres, leaving two cabin crew injured while they were preparing to serve food.

Passengers aboard an EasyJet plane were left mortified after the aircraft plummeted 200 metres, leaving two cabin crew injured while they were preparing to serve food. According to reports, the flight carrying 181 passengers left Corfu, an island in Greece around 12:44 pm local time on Monday (Aug 19), and was bound for London Gatwick. Shortly after the takeoff, the plane encountered severe turbulence when it was cruising at speed in excess of 484 miles per hour. The cabin crew members were jerked around violently and slammed into the aircraft's walls. They sustained injuries serious enough for the pilot to divert the flight and land at Rome's Fiumicino Airport so that they could be treated. "Fabulous holiday ended with a nightmare journey back from Corfu with terrible turbulence in which we plummeted 200m and two cabin crew were injured with broken leg resulting in emergency diversion to Rome for them to be taken to hospital and a 6-hour wait to be rescued by EasyJet," passenger Becky Walters said in a Facebook post. "They sent out the big guns and shepherded us home with constant updates from captain who spoke to us all in the cabin before flying and kept us constantly updated during return also turbulent flight. A great PR rescue but they handled it really well in the end." Watch | Gravitas: 30 injured as turbulence hits Air Europa plane × Airline's statement After the incident, EasyJet released a statement and said the safety of passengers remained their utmost priority. "The flight on August 19 experienced turbulence which unfortunately injured two cabin crew members. As a result, the captain decided to divert the flight to Rome, where the flight attendants received medical assistance," said the airline. "The safety and well-being of our customers and crew are easyJet's top priority, and our pilots are trained to manage turbulence," it added. Also read | Boeing's turbulence woes continue: Air Europa flight makes Emergency landing in Brazil In May, earlier this year, at least one passenger died while several others were injured after a Boeing 777 plane, operated by Singapore Airlines experienced severe turbulence at around 37,000ft and plunged rapidly. There were 211 passengers onboard, in addition to the 18 crew members. (With inputs from agencies)

Horror in air: EasyJet plane rapidly plummets 200m, crew members sustain serious injuries

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows&nbsp;an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20). The unruly passenger, wearing a Celtic Football Club shirt, shouted insults and made aggressive gestures. He even hit the aircraft's roof and assaulted a Turkish police officer and a female airline employee while other passengers, including a young girl, watched in fear.

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
A fight broke out on an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/easyJet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#easyJet</a> flight from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Edinburgh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Edinburgh</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antalya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antalya</a>, on April 20. When the aircraft landed at Antalya Airport, police were called on board.The passenger hit another passenger, and then he hit the police officer too. 
 
🎥©Scott Johnston via <a href="https://twitter.com/HavaSosyalMedya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HavaSosyalMedya</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDyR5SN0ue">pic.twitter.com/WDyR5SN0ue</a>
— FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlightModeblog/status/1782302122433716731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Authorities eventually subdued the violent passenger and escorted him off the plane.

A fellow passenger mentioned that the soccer enthusiast had been causing disturbances throughout the flight, which departed from Edinburgh.&nbsp;The witness recounted, "Another passenger told him he was disgracing the Celtic jersey, and that's when he snapped."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-plane-bound-for-japan-forced-to-return-to-gate-after-engine-trouble-702162">Also read |&nbsp;United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble</a>

Notably, Celtic, a renowned Scottish soccer team, defeated Aberdeen to reach the Scottish Cup final that Saturday. Other passengers said that he had been drinking alcohol during the flight.

Easyjet verified to The Daily Record that police intervened on a flight to Antalya on April 20 due to a disruptive passenger.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boeing-737-max-parts-missing-from-indian-plane-678384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Easyjet stated: "EasyJet can confirm that police attended a flight to Antalya on 20 April on arrival due to a passenger behaving disruptively on board. EasyJet's crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. The safety and well-being of all our customers and crew is always our highest priority."

(With inputs from agencies)

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20).

A shocking video doing the rounds on social media shows an Easyjet passenger fighting with police and airline staff upon landing at Turkey's Antalya Airport. The incident, reported by Sky News, occurred around 8:15 pm on Saturday (April 20). The unruly passenger, wearing a Celtic Football Club shirt, shouted insults and made aggressive gestures. He even hit the aircraft's roof and assaulted a Turkish police officer and a female airline employee while other passengers, including a young girl, watched in fear. Watch the video here: A fight broke out on an #easyJet flight from #Edinburgh to #Antalya, on April 20. When the aircraft landed at Antalya Airport, police were called on board.The passenger hit another passenger, and then he hit the police officer too. 🎥©Scott Johnston via @HavaSosyalMedya#Turkey pic.twitter.com/WDyR5SN0ue — FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) April 22, 2024 × Authorities eventually subdued the violent passenger and escorted him off the plane. A fellow passenger mentioned that the soccer enthusiast had been causing disturbances throughout the flight, which departed from Edinburgh. The witness recounted, "Another passenger told him he was disgracing the Celtic jersey, and that's when he snapped." Also read | United Airlines plane, bound for Japan, forced to return to gate after engine trouble Notably, Celtic, a renowned Scottish soccer team, defeated Aberdeen to reach the Scottish Cup final that Saturday. Other passengers said that he had been drinking alcohol during the flight. Easyjet verified to The Daily Record that police intervened on a flight to Antalya on April 20 due to a disruptive passenger. Easyjet stated: "EasyJet can confirm that police attended a flight to Antalya on 20 April on arrival due to a passenger behaving disruptively on board. EasyJet's crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. The safety and well-being of all our customers and crew is always our highest priority." (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Drunk EasyJet passenger throws punches at cops, flight attendants

Over 100 passengers faced uncertainty when a pilot refused to fly an EasyJet aircraft last Wednesday evening, citing a smelly plane.

After boarding, passengers on the Birmingham to Geneva flight were requested to exit the aircraft because the pilot had noticed an unexplained "strange odor" in the back of the cabin. On the tarmac of Birmingham Airport, the pilot informally cancelled the flight even though it was only minutes away from takeoff.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/easyjet-announces-steps-toward-zero-carbon-future-263157" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/easyjet-announces-steps-toward-zero-carbon-future-263157&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPqszI9KiEAxV-dPUHHZdDBYcQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lhnbQtYLdbPPnhQK9GeUt" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/easyjet-announces-steps-toward-zero-carbon-future-263157" target="_blank">EasyJet&nbsp;announces steps toward zero-carbon future</a>

Before being told they would be staying in a hotel, passengers—including some with little children and infants—were kept waiting for up to five hours. Although just the pilot reported smelling the strange stench, the decision to cancel the flight was made as a safety measure. The pilot described the scent as chemical.

At 7:40 pm, 106 passengers were instructed to return to the terminal, with the pilot announcing over the tannoy that "the bad news is I do not think we’ll be flying tonight."

The situation worsened as passengers faced difficulties proving their flight status due to the EasyJet app deleting their boarding passes upon cancellation, and they initially encountered obstacles in retrieving their baggage.

Some passengers were unaware of being rebooked on a flight the next morning. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines have a legal obligation to provide food, water, and accommodation for delayed flights.

Passengers experiencing cancellations can claim compensation, with amounts reaching up to £220 per person for short-haul and £520 per person for long-haul flights delayed by more than two hours.

Also read:&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/higher-than-usual-levels-of-employee-sickness-easyjet-cancels-flights-as-covid-hits-staff-in-europe-468700">Higher than usual levels of employee sickness': EasyJet cancels flights as Covid hits staff in Europe</a>

A representative from Swissport, unwilling to be identified, acknowledged awareness of the cancellation at 7:30 pm but cited a delay of almost four hours, attributing it to the need to wait for emails before being able to book hotel rooms. "I have had the same information as passengers from the EasyJet app," they conceded.

(With agencies inputs)

Over 100 passengers faced uncertainty when a pilot refused to fly an EasyJet aircraft last Wednesday evening, citing a smelly plane. After boarding, passengers on the Birmingham to Geneva flight were requested to exit the aircraft because the pilot had noticed an unexplained "strange odor" in the back of the cabin.

Over 100 passengers faced uncertainty when a pilot refused to fly an EasyJet aircraft last Wednesday evening, citing a smelly plane. After boarding, passengers on the Birmingham to Geneva flight were requested to exit the aircraft because the pilot had noticed an unexplained "strange odor" in the back of the cabin. On the tarmac of Birmingham Airport, the pilot informally cancelled the flight even though it was only minutes away from takeoff. Also read: EasyJet announces steps toward zero-carbon future Before being told they would be staying in a hotel, passengers—including some with little children and infants—were kept waiting for up to five hours. Although just the pilot reported smelling the strange stench, the decision to cancel the flight was made as a safety measure. The pilot described the scent as chemical. At 7:40 pm, 106 passengers were instructed to return to the terminal, with the pilot announcing over the tannoy that "the bad news is I do not think we’ll be flying tonight." The situation worsened as passengers faced difficulties proving their flight status due to the EasyJet app deleting their boarding passes upon cancellation, and they initially encountered obstacles in retrieving their baggage. Some passengers were unaware of being rebooked on a flight the next morning. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines have a legal obligation to provide food, water, and accommodation for delayed flights. Passengers experiencing cancellations can claim compensation, with amounts reaching up to £220 per person for short-haul and £520 per person for long-haul flights delayed by more than two hours. Also read: 'Higher than usual levels of employee sickness': EasyJet cancels flights as Covid hits staff in Europe A representative from Swissport, unwilling to be identified, acknowledged awareness of the cancellation at 7:30 pm but cited a delay of almost four hours, attributing it to the need to wait for emails before being able to book hotel rooms. "I have had the same information as passengers from the EasyJet app," they conceded. (With agencies inputs)

EasyJet pilot cancels flight due to 'smelly aircraft,' leaving passengers stranded

EasyJet on Monday announced the resignation of its chief operating officer as the British no-frills carrier and the aviation sector at large struggle with flight cancellations and staff shortages.

EasyJet said Peter Bellew would pursue other business opportunities after ensuring a smooth handover.

David Morgan, previously interim chief operating officer at the airline, will replace Bellew.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said "everyone at EasyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer".

It comes as the carrier cuts the number of its flights during the busy European summer holiday season.

Airlines and airports in the UK and abroad are struggling to recruit staff after the lifting of pandemic lockdowns, which saw the aviation sector slash thousands of posts.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

EasyJet on Monday announced the resignation of its chief operating officer as the British no-frills carrier and the aviation sector at large struggle with flight cancellations and staff shortages.

EasyJet on Monday announced the resignation of its chief operating officer as the British no-frills carrier and the aviation sector at large struggle with flight cancellations and staff shortages. EasyJet said Peter Bellew would pursue other business opportunities after ensuring a smooth handover. David Morgan, previously interim chief operating officer at the airline, will replace Bellew. Chief executive Johan Lundgren said "everyone at EasyJet remains absolutely focused on delivering a safe and reliable operation this summer". It comes as the carrier cuts the number of its flights during the busy European summer holiday season. Airlines and airports in the UK and abroad are struggling to recruit staff after the lifting of pandemic lockdowns, which saw the aviation sector slash thousands of posts. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EasyJet operating chief quits as flights chaos grows

'Higher than usual levels of employee sickness': EasyJet cancels flights as Covid hits staff in Europe

British airline EasyJet has secured a new five-year loan facility of $1.87 billion, it is backed by a partial guarantee from the UK.

World Business Watch: EasyJet secures new five-year $1.87 billion loan with UK guarantee

EasyJet on Tuesday posted the first annual pre-tax loss in its 25-year history, prompting it to seek more government help as the coronavirus pandemic hammers air travel.

The British no-frills carrier suffered a pre-tax loss of £1.27 billion ($1.7 billion, 1.4 billion euros) in its reporting year to September. That contrasted with a year-earlier profit of £430 million.

Passenger numbers halved to 48.1 million as Covid-19 travel restrictions slammed demand.

Revenue slumped by a similar proportion to stand at £3.0 billion, EasyJet said in a results statement.

It added that it plans to fly no more than 20 percent of normal capacity during its current first quarter ending on December 31.

But chief executive Johan Lundgren said the company was "well positioned and expecting to bounce back strongly" after responding "robustly and decisively" to the virus fallout.

The airline is in the process of axing up to 4,500 jobs or almost one third of its staff as it seeks to navigate the crisis, mirroring painful cost-cutting across the world aviation sector.

It has raised more than £3.1 billion in extra liquidity since the start of the deadly pandemic, including £600 million from the British government's emergency Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

The carrier on Tuesday said it is "planning to extend... borrowing" from the facility after talks with the Bank of England and UK Treasury department.

- 'Robustly and decisively' -

"I am immensely proud of the performance of the EasyJet team in facing the challenges of 2020," Lundgren said in the statement.

"We responded robustly and decisively, minimising losses, reducing cash burn and launching the largest... restructuring programme in our history."

He also cheered "welcome news" on a Covid-19 vaccine that could potentially herald a longer-term return to normality.

"We retain the flexibility to rapidly ramp up when demand returns... We know our customers want to fly with us," he said.

The carrier grounded its entire fleet on March 30 as Britain went into an initial lockdown, returning to the skies with only a very limited schedule in the middle of June.

There was a modest recovery in summer demand -- but "widespread quarantine measures introduced in September once again eroded demand and consumer confidence to travel", it noted.

The airline has been hit additionally by a second lockdown currently in force across much of Britain.

In reaction to the results, EasyJet shares sank 4.0 percent to 746.20 pence in morning London deals.

The stock is down by about 45 percent in 2020, mirroring sharp falls across the entire aviation sector.

Hopes of there being a vaccine as early a this year have however handed airlines some big gains over the past week.

"EasyJet shareholders will be hoping that the worst is now behind them," noted William Ryder, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown stockbrokers.&nbsp;

"Although capacity is still expected to be down dramatically in the first quarter of EasyJet's 2021 financial year, positive vaccine news has promised light at the end of the tunnel."&nbsp;

EasyJet on Tuesday posted the first annual pre-tax loss in its 25-year history, prompting it to seek more government help as the coronavirus pandemic hammers air travel.

EasyJet on Tuesday posted the first annual pre-tax loss in its 25-year history, prompting it to seek more government help as the coronavirus pandemic hammers air travel. The British no-frills carrier suffered a pre-tax loss of £1.27 billion ($1.7 billion, 1.4 billion euros) in its reporting year to September. That contrasted with a year-earlier profit of £430 million. Passenger numbers halved to 48.1 million as Covid-19 travel restrictions slammed demand. Revenue slumped by a similar proportion to stand at £3.0 billion, EasyJet said in a results statement. It added that it plans to fly no more than 20 percent of normal capacity during its current first quarter ending on December 31. But chief executive Johan Lundgren said the company was "well positioned and expecting to bounce back strongly" after responding "robustly and decisively" to the virus fallout. The airline is in the process of axing up to 4,500 jobs or almost one third of its staff as it seeks to navigate the crisis, mirroring painful cost-cutting across the world aviation sector. It has raised more than £3.1 billion in extra liquidity since the start of the deadly pandemic, including £600 million from the British government's emergency Covid Corporate Financing Facility. The carrier on Tuesday said it is "planning to extend... borrowing" from the facility after talks with the Bank of England and UK Treasury department. - 'Robustly and decisively' - "I am immensely proud of the performance of the EasyJet team in facing the challenges of 2020," Lundgren said in the statement. "We responded robustly and decisively, minimising losses, reducing cash burn and launching the largest... restructuring programme in our history." He also cheered "welcome news" on a Covid-19 vaccine that could potentially herald a longer-term return to normality. "We retain the flexibility to rapidly ramp up when demand returns... We know our customers want to fly with us," he said. The carrier grounded its entire fleet on March 30 as Britain went into an initial lockdown, returning to the skies with only a very limited schedule in the middle of June. There was a modest recovery in summer demand -- but "widespread quarantine measures introduced in September once again eroded demand and consumer confidence to travel", it noted. The airline has been hit additionally by a second lockdown currently in force across much of Britain. In reaction to the results, EasyJet shares sank 4.0 percent to 746.20 pence in morning London deals. The stock is down by about 45 percent in 2020, mirroring sharp falls across the entire aviation sector. Hopes of there being a vaccine as early a this year have however handed airlines some big gains over the past week. "EasyJet shareholders will be hoping that the worst is now behind them," noted William Ryder, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown stockbrokers. "Although capacity is still expected to be down dramatically in the first quarter of EasyJet's 2021 financial year, positive vaccine news has promised light at the end of the tunnel."

UK airline EasyJet dives into historic loss on virus

The United Kingdom's government in a bid to overturn new quarantine rules that will be put into effect from today. International airline group Ryanair and EasyJet spoke against the government's rule that calls for mandatory self-isolation period for international passengers.

COVID-19 pandemic: Airlines protest UK quarantine plan

Britain's easyJet plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs and shrink its fleet to adjust to the smaller travel market which is forecast to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.

EasyJet, which employs more than 15,000 people in eight countries across Europe, is moving later than others in announcing job cuts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought airlines across the world to their knees.

Most have been forced to cut jobs, including more than 15,000 in Britain, as they prepare for a market which is not forecast to return to 2019 levels until 2023.

EasyJet, which said on Thursday it would launch a consultation process with staff, also plans to shrink its fleet by 15% to 302 planes by the end of 2021 and to cut costs through deals with airports, maintenance suppliers and in marketing.

Shares in easyJet rose 6% to 751 pence, their highest level since mid-March, before coronavirus grounded its fleet.

"Exactly the kind of overhaul the cost base needs," Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said of easyJet's cuts, which go deeper than those of Ryanair and Wizz Air, who have said they will lay off 15% and 19% of staff respectively.

EasyJet said it expects to be flying around 30% of its capacity by the fourth quarter, which leaves it trailing Ryanair which is planning to fly 40% in July.

"The leverage to growing market share over the next two years seems to rest with Ryanair and Wizz, who see their cost bases as allowing them to exploit this crisis," Goodbody analyst Mark Simpson said.

EasyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren said that job cuts would ensure easyJet emerges as "a more competitive business". Around 8,000 of its staff are based in Britain.

Lundgren told reporters that easyJet was talking to the British government about a 14-day quarantine rule which airlines say will further stifle any travel recovery.

Over the last six weeks easyJet has also been grappling with an attempt by its biggest shareholder to oust its senior bosses, and the fallout from a cyber attack.

It said talks with lessors interested in acquiring aircraft on a sale and leaseback basis are ongoing and proceeds would now be 500 million pounds to 650 million pounds ($798 million), around 25% higher than expected in April.

Britain's easyJet plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs and shrink its fleet to adjust to the smaller travel market which is forecast to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.

Britain's easyJet plans to cut up to 4,500 jobs and shrink its fleet to adjust to the smaller travel market which is forecast to emerge from the coronavirus crisis. EasyJet, which employs more than 15,000 people in eight countries across Europe, is moving later than others in announcing job cuts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought airlines across the world to their knees. Most have been forced to cut jobs, including more than 15,000 in Britain, as they prepare for a market which is not forecast to return to 2019 levels until 2023. EasyJet, which said on Thursday it would launch a consultation process with staff, also plans to shrink its fleet by 15% to 302 planes by the end of 2021 and to cut costs through deals with airports, maintenance suppliers and in marketing. Shares in easyJet rose 6% to 751 pence, their highest level since mid-March, before coronavirus grounded its fleet. "Exactly the kind of overhaul the cost base needs," Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said of easyJet's cuts, which go deeper than those of Ryanair and Wizz Air, who have said they will lay off 15% and 19% of staff respectively. EasyJet said it expects to be flying around 30% of its capacity by the fourth quarter, which leaves it trailing Ryanair which is planning to fly 40% in July. "The leverage to growing market share over the next two years seems to rest with Ryanair and Wizz, who see their cost bases as allowing them to exploit this crisis," Goodbody analyst Mark Simpson said. EasyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren said that job cuts would ensure easyJet emerges as "a more competitive business". Around 8,000 of its staff are based in Britain. Lundgren told reporters that easyJet was talking to the British government about a 14-day quarantine rule which airlines say will further stifle any travel recovery. Over the last six weeks easyJet has also been grappling with an attempt by its biggest shareholder to oust its senior bosses, and the fallout from a cyber attack. It said talks with lessors interested in acquiring aircraft on a sale and leaseback basis are ongoing and proceeds would now be 500 million pounds to 650 million pounds ($798 million), around 25% higher than expected in April.

EasyJet to cut 4,500 jobs to stay competitive after coronavirus crisis

British no-frills airline<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-men-detained-after-easyjet-flight-diverted-to-cologne-16684"> EasyJet</a> on Tuesday made initial steps to reduce its carbon footprint, offsetting emissions from all flights in an industry first&nbsp;and revealing research into greener engines.

"I am proud that we have announced that from today we will be the world's first major airline to operate net-zero carbon flights across our whole network," said Chief Executive Johan Lundgren in a results statement.

"We are doing this by offsetting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-unveils-17-trillion-climate-plan-to-end-us-carbon-emissions-by-2050-224374">carbon emissions</a> from the fuel used for all of our flights.

"We recognise that offsetting is only an interim measure, but we want to take action on our carbon emissions now."

The carrier announced the news, expected to cost it around £25 million ($32 million, 29 million euros) in 2020, alongside a modest drop in annual profit as the short-haul sector faced challenging trade.

The carrier added its priority was to work on reducing its carbon footprint in the short term while researching new greener technology in the longer term.

"Through carbon offsetting, EasyJet will invest in projects to reduce carbon and carbon equivalents from the atmosphere," it said.

"EasyJet will compensate&nbsp;for every tonne of CO2 emitted&nbsp;from fuel used for its flights by ensuring there is one tonne less in the atmosphere."

The airline added it would do this by either "reducing CO2 by physically removing it from the air, eg by planting more trees, or by avoiding the release of additional CO2".

EasyJet also said Tuesday that its annual profit after taxation dipped 2.5 per cent to £349 million in the 12 months to the end of September, citing "challenging market conditions".

But revenues jumped 8.3 per cent to £6.4 billion on the back of record passenger numbers.

EasyJet also unveiled a joint research project with Airbus, as part of industry-wide moves towards carbon neutrality.

"The airline will also continue its&nbsp;long-term work to support the development of new technology, including electric planes so that European aviation can move towards becoming net-zero carbon."

It added: "As part of this work,&nbsp;the EasyJet and Airbus partnership has been established,&nbsp;to jointly research the opportunities and challenges of introducing hybrid and electric aircraft for short-haul flying&nbsp;in Europe."&nbsp;

British no-frills airline EasyJet on Tuesday made initial steps to reduce its carbon footprint, offsetting emissions from all flights in an industry first and revealing research into greener engines.

British no-frills airline EasyJet on Tuesday made initial steps to reduce its carbon footprint, offsetting emissions from all flights in an industry first and revealing research into greener engines. "I am proud that we have announced that from today we will be the world's first major airline to operate net-zero carbon flights across our whole network," said Chief Executive Johan Lundgren in a results statement. "We are doing this by offsetting the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all of our flights. "We recognise that offsetting is only an interim measure, but we want to take action on our carbon emissions now." The carrier announced the news, expected to cost it around £25 million ($32 million, 29 million euros) in 2020, alongside a modest drop in annual profit as the short-haul sector faced challenging trade. The carrier added its priority was to work on reducing its carbon footprint in the short term while researching new greener technology in the longer term. "Through carbon offsetting, EasyJet will invest in projects to reduce carbon and carbon equivalents from the atmosphere," it said. "EasyJet will compensate for every tonne of CO2 emitted from fuel used for its flights by ensuring there is one tonne less in the atmosphere." The airline added it would do this by either "reducing CO2 by physically removing it from the air, eg by planting more trees, or by avoiding the release of additional CO2". EasyJet also said Tuesday that its annual profit after taxation dipped 2.5 per cent to £349 million in the 12 months to the end of September, citing "challenging market conditions". But revenues jumped 8.3 per cent to £6.4 billion on the back of record passenger numbers. EasyJet also unveiled a joint research project with Airbus, as part of industry-wide moves towards carbon neutrality. "The airline will also continue its long-term work to support the development of new technology, including electric planes so that European aviation can move towards becoming net-zero carbon." It added: "As part of this work, the EasyJet and Airbus partnership has been established, to jointly research the opportunities and challenges of introducing hybrid and electric aircraft for short-haul flying in Europe."

EasyJet announces steps toward zero-carbon future

Turkey's tourism minister said Friday he was unconcerned by the collapse of British tour operator Thomas Cook as he unveiled ambitious plans to make the country one of the world's top holiday destinations.

"Nobody should be concerned by this," said Mehmet Ersoy, speaking at a conference in Istanbul to outline Turkey's tourism strategy.

"By 2020, we will see an increase in the number of visitors to Thomas Cook destinations."

He said Turkey was holding talks with EasyJet, British Airways and others in the coming days to finalize plans for more flights into areas affected by the Thomas Cook collapse, particularly the resort of Dalaman.

Thomas Cook, which declared bankruptcy last weekend, leaving hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers stranded around Europe, represented around three percent of Turkey's tourist intake.

Turkish tourism has recently recovered from a sudden 25-per cent decline in 2016 caused by a spate of terrorist attacks and political unrest.

At the heart of the new strategy is a major increase in worldwide promotion from $80 million to $180 million over the next year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made tourism a strategic priority, and the goal is to increase visitors from 55 million to 75 million by 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic, with earnings hitting $65 billion.

Cruise ship arrivals are expected to nearly double with the imminent completion of one port in the Istanbul hub of Galata and another due for construction in nearby Yenikapi.

The government is also throwing money at archaeological excavations and cleaner beaches, while also planting scenes of Turkish cuisine into the country's wildly popular soap opera exports.

Turkey's tourism minister said Friday he was unconcerned by the collapse of British tour operator Thomas Cook as he unveiled ambitious plans to make the country one of the world's top holiday destinations.

Turkey's tourism minister said Friday he was unconcerned by the collapse of British tour operator Thomas Cook as he unveiled ambitious plans to make the country one of the world's top holiday destinations. "Nobody should be concerned by this," said Mehmet Ersoy, speaking at a conference in Istanbul to outline Turkey's tourism strategy. "By 2020, we will see an increase in the number of visitors to Thomas Cook destinations." He said Turkey was holding talks with EasyJet, British Airways and others in the coming days to finalize plans for more flights into areas affected by the Thomas Cook collapse, particularly the resort of Dalaman. Thomas Cook, which declared bankruptcy last weekend, leaving hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers stranded around Europe, represented around three percent of Turkey's tourist intake. Turkish tourism has recently recovered from a sudden 25-per cent decline in 2016 caused by a spate of terrorist attacks and political unrest. At the heart of the new strategy is a major increase in worldwide promotion from $80 million to $180 million over the next year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made tourism a strategic priority, and the goal is to increase visitors from 55 million to 75 million by 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic, with earnings hitting $65 billion. Cruise ship arrivals are expected to nearly double with the imminent completion of one port in the Istanbul hub of Galata and another due for construction in nearby Yenikapi. The government is also throwing money at archaeological excavations and cleaner beaches, while also planting scenes of Turkish cuisine into the country's wildly popular soap opera exports.

Turkey shrugs off Thomas Cook collapse amid booming investment

easyjet

Easyjet, News on Easyjet, stories on Easyjet, articles on Easyjet, Easyjet stories at Wion, Easyjet news, Easyjet latest news