easyJet sees Apollo takeover accelerating fleet investment and growth

easyJet’s proposed takeover by Apollo Global Management could accelerate its fleet renewal and wider growth plans, according to chief executive Kenton Jarvis, after shareholders approved the £5.7 billion deal on 11 November.

The acquisition by the US investment firm is expected to complete before the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Completion would see easyJet leave the London stock market.

Speaking at the Airlines 2026 conference in London, Jarvis said Apollo backed the airline’s existing direction, as reported by Aerospace Global News.

“We’ve obviously spoken to Apollo and it’s clear that they support the strategy that we have and see great opportunities to accelerate it.”

Apollo has outlined plans to support fleet modernisation and expansion, develop ancillary revenues and loyalty offerings, and scale the easyJet Holidays business.

For the aerospace sector, the airline’s aircraft investment plans are a significant element of that strategy. Jarvis highlighted easyJet’s “strong” and “flexible” orderbook, including additional Airbus A320 family aircraft to replace older A319s. The airline has previously set a target of withdrawing its A319 fleet by 2030.

“That gives great benefits in terms of not only the environment and the carbon footprint, but also the cost of operating those aircraft and then that will give good value to the customer,” he said.

Regulatory approvals remain key to completing easyJet takeover

The transaction still requires aviation regulatory approvals across easyJet’s operations, which hold air operator certificates in the UK, Austria and Switzerland.

Jarvis said competition filings were progressing, telling the conference: “A lot of those are starting to come through now: approved, approved, approved.”

He attributed that progress to Apollo’s lack of existing airline ownership in Europe, arguing that the acquisition would not materially change the competitive landscape.

The proposed change of ownership has nevertheless prompted concern among employee representatives. The European Works Council, which represents easyJet employees across Europe, has warned that the deal could weaken the company’s long-term resilience.

Jarvis offered a different assessment: “I think for the staff it’s a very positive thing because it’s a positive thing for the company.”

He also pointed to employee share ownership, noting that staff shareholders had participated in the approval vote.

Alongside fleet investment, easyJet plans to introduce a new loyalty program next year and continue growing its holidays operation. Jarvis said the program would “help deepen engagement with our customers and also reward our customers for their loyalty, which is great.”

He maintained that the airline’s underlying purpose would remain unchanged: making low-cost travel easy, affordable and accessible.