Airlines Easyjet receives EC approval for Air Berlin acquisition

The acquisition will result in Easyjet operating 25 Airbus A320 aircraft from Berlin-Tegel Airport. Berlin-Tegel will be Easyjet’s second base in the German capital. Since 2004 Easyjet operates a base in Berlin Schönefeld which serves 51 European routes.

The 40 million Euro Easyjet deal includes the leasing of 25 former Air Berlin aircraft and the takeover of other assets including slots and around 1000 Air Berlin flying crews. The Commission has confirmed that there are no competition concerns relating to this agreement and Easyjet now expects to complete the transaction in the near future.  

The European Commission stated: “The increase in the slot portfolio of Easyjet at the congested airports, and in Berlin in particular, was unlikely to have a negative effect on passengers, and Easyjet will continue to face strong competition from large carriers like Lufthansa and Ryanair on routes from and to Berlin.”

After the insolvency of Air Berlin in mid-August, Lufthansa Group and Easyjet made offers to take over parts of the bankrupt airline. Both carriers bought slots and air rights of the former Air Berlin. Lufthansa is still waiting for the EC approval, as competition regulators have concerns regarding the market power of Lufthansa in Germany. The European Commission announced to take a decision under EU merger rules on December 21, 2017.

Last week, Easyjet announced to commence operations in Tegel in January 2018.

Easyjet will compete with Lufthansa Group on all domestic and several European flights.