easyJet buys BA franchise partner

Low-cost airline easyJet bolstered its network today with a £103.5m (€148.7m) deal to buy GB Airways, a franchise partner of British Airways.

GB is primarily a Gatwick-based operator, covering destinations across southern Europe and northern Africa with a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft.

It currently runs its services under the British Airways brand, but this franchise agreement will come to an end on March 29.

BA will also end a similar arrangement with Loganair from next October and begin a codeshare agreement with the Scottish carrier.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said the company’s franchise system had outlived its purpose, adding that BA turned down the chance to buy GB Airways.