Castlelake has bid four times. EasyJet's board has rejected four times. The number that explains why is not 650p, it is $2bn (£1.6bn), the estimated value of the airline's contracted Airbus delivery positions alone. This piece breaks down what Castlelake is actually trying to buy.
Anko van der Werff will leave SAS at the start of 2027 to become Air Canada's next chief executive, replacing Michael Rousseau, whose retirement follows a French-language controversy. The departure leaves SAS mid-fleet order and mid-ownership transition.
easyJet's board backs Castlelake's fifth bid at 690p per share, valuing the airline at £5.2bn. Condor's CEO names Gulf carriers as potential buyers. Catania Airport reopens this morning after Mount Etna shut it for three days, with the alert downgraded from red to orange.
Mount Etna's eruption has kept Catania Airport closed for a third consecutive day, cancelling approximately 130 flights and diverting 50 more to Palermo. Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and ITA Airways are among the carriers affected.
EasyJet's board agreed in principle on 5 July to Castlelake's fifth takeover bid at $9.20 (£6.90) per share, valuing the airline at $6.9bn (£5.2bn). A formal offer is due by 3 August. Bernstein expects a break-up and sale of assets to European network carriers.
