Easyjet has agreed a €40 million deal to purchase part of Air Berlin’s operations at Berlin Tegel airport. The airline says the sale is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in December.
The acquisition will see Easyjet enter into lease agreements for up to 25 A320 aircraft. The carrier says it will also offer Air Berlin flying crew employment and it will take over other assets related to operations, including take-off and landing slots.
Easyjet says it has already launched a recruitment campaign to attract around 1,000 of Air Berlin’s pilots and cabin crew, who will be trained on the airline’s safety and operating procedures.
In a statement released on October 27, Easyjet said it would make announcements about new routes and services to and from Berlin Tegel “in due course” but would operate a reduced timetable at the airport throughout the winter season.
Lufthansa announced earlier this month that it had agreed to purchase significant parts of Air Berlin, including leisure airline Niki, the LG Walter regional carrier and 20 other aircraft.
Air Berlin has now ceased operations as part of insolvency procedures.