easyJet buys GB Airways in 103 million pound deal

No-frills airline easyJet has announced it is to purchase British Airways franchise partner GB Airways in a deal worth £103.5 million.

The acquisition will see easyJet boost its network through GB's fleet of 15 aircraft, which fly to destinations across Europe and northern Africa.

GB flights operate from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester, although the deal does not include take-off and landing slots at Heathrow.

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."

GB currently runs its services under the umbrella of the BA brand, but the arrangement is due to come to an end on March 29th 2008.

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