Budget airline easyJet is to upgrade and expand its aircraft fleet under a deal to buy 135 Airbus planes over the next nine years.

EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s battle with the airline’s board was dealt a blow today after its bosses won the support of the carrier’s three largest institutional shareholders.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s plans for a shareholder uprising at easyJet were dealt a blow today after a major investor backed the airline’s management.

EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou quit the board of the low-cost airline today in a long-running battle over its growth strategy.