EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou is planning to establish a new airline unconnected to the UK budget carrier, called Fastjet.
Details about the planned carrier have yet to emerge, but EasyJet said today that it has received notice from Haji-Ioannou that he "intends to set up airline branded Fastjet and that a website, www.fastjet.com, has already been established".
EasyJet added: "To the extent that any activity of Fastjet, Sir Stelios or any company controlled by him infringes or would infringe those rights [under EasyJet's agreement with Haji-Ioannou and EasyGroup], EasyJet will take necessary action to protect the rights of EasyJet and the interests of its shareholders."
The carrier "emphatically rejects" claims by Haji-Ioannou that EasyJet breached the terms of a binding comfort letter and that this letter is no longer in force.
EasyJet added that it "continues to seek constructive dialogue" with Haji-Ioannou.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news