EasyJet Buys Thomas Cook Slots At Gatwick And Bristol

U.K.-based low-cost carrier EasyJet has staved off competition from rivals to acquire lucrative takeoff and landing slots at two U.K. airports. Suitors for the slots included International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), parent of British Airways and several other carriers, as well as Budapest-based low-cost carrier Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic. The slots became available following the collapse of 178-year-old U.K.-based tour operator Thomas Cook Group in September.