As the emotional final flight of the bankrupt airline, Air Berlin, was taking place on Friday, easyJet was sealing a deal that will transform its status in Germany.
The UKs biggest budget airline is paying 40m (£35m) for slots at the German capitals leading airport, Tegel, as well as operating leases on up to 25 Airbus A320 jets. In addition, easyJet is seeking to recruit around 1,000 of Air Berlins pilots and cabin crew.
The airline will continue with its existing operations at Schönefeld, the old East Berlin airport favoured by low-cost operators.
The audacious move makes easyJet the biggest airline in Berlin and will dismay Lufthansa, as well as Europes largest budget carrier, Ryanair.
Pointedly, given the …
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