EasyJet has confirmed plans to reduce head office positions ahead of its £5.7 billion private equity acquisition by US firm Apollo.
The Luton-based carrier is understood to be consulting on proposals that could result in approximately 50 head office roles being eliminated from a 2,300-strong workforce.
Deal Background and Timeline
EasyJet agreed in July to the acquisition for 715p per share by Apollo, which also owns businesses including Wagamama-owner The Restaurant Group. Shareholders are voting on the deal on Wednesday, and if approved, completion is anticipated during the first quarter of 2027.
It is understood that the job reductions are not connected to Apollo or the acquisition.
Company Statement
EasyJet confirmed it was examining workforce reductions across its head office operations after The Times reported the development. An easyJet spokesperson said: "Our people are integral to easyJet's success and as a low-cost airline we always operate efficiently so we can keep fares low for our customers and invest in future growth opportunities."
The spokesperson added: "These proposals affect a very small proportion of head office roles to ensure we are best set up to support the business' ambitious plans."
Union Concerns and Apollo Pledge
Trade unions in the UK and Europe have raised concerns over potential redundancies at easyJet following the Apollo deal and the debt burden that would be placed on the airline's balance sheet. Apollo has pledged not to make any redundancies for 12 months following completion of the acquisition.
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) has voiced reservations, stating recently that "important questions remain regarding the long-term implications of the transaction" and that "Balpa's principal concern is the extent to which the transaction may affect employees beyond the 12-month period covered by the statements of intention."
Company History and Bidding Contest
EasyJet was established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995 as a budget-friendly rival to British Airways, and has since grown into one of the most extensive airline networks across Europe. Sir Stelios and his family, who hold approximately 15% of the business, have thrown their weight behind the takeover.
Apollo secured the acquisition after prevailing in a bidding battle with US investment firm Castlelake, which had previously tabled a £5.5 billion, or 690p a share, offer to acquire easyJet but withdrew from the bidding contest in August.
