Easyjet wants to get BA's unused slots in Heathrow

Easyjet PLC is aiming to get the slots left vacant by British Airways in Heathrow airport after the UK flag carrier decided to cut capacity amid the slump in the air travel market, an Easyjet spokeswoman said.

"Essentially, we're lobbying with the European Transport Commission to get these unused slots. Usually, airports have a 'use-it-or-lose-it' policy (on these slots) anyway," she explained.

Easyjet and all the other low-cost airlines, which managed to keep their regular flight schedules even after the September 11 attacks on the US, are one in their belief that these unused slots should be distributed to other carriers as a form of "protection" to the travelling public, she added.

"We do have the same message," the spokeswoman said, although it and other no-frills carriers like RyanAir are not launching a concerted effort to attain this end.

The request, she said, will oppose a separate lobby being done by BA and other major carriers which want to keep their slots even if they are not using them.