EasyJet denies union rep’s reported claim that airline ‘hanging by a thread’

Budget airline easyJet has denied reported claims by one of its union officials that the company is “hanging by a thread”.

Following a meeting with the airline’s chief financial officer Andrew Findlay, Martin Entwistle reportedly said that the airline is in a “really dire” situation, according to a leaked recording obtained by the BBC.

EasyJet said that the recording “does not reflect” the views of the company or Mr Findlay, and that it would be taking a “prudent approach to capacity” over the winter.

In a statement, the company said: “The recording does not reflect what easyJet or its chief financial officer said.

“We have been clear the whole industry has been impacted by the pandemic. However, easyJet has taken a prudent approach to capacity and the right actions on cash preservation.

“The airline continues to keep all liquidity options under review, but no decisions have been taken.

“Winter flying is always significantly lower than summer and easyJet will continue with its prudent and dynamic approach to capacity over the winter.

“No decisions have been taken and we will update the market in due course.”

It comes as the airline announced that a deal had been agreed with the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) to avoid compulsory job losses among its pilots.