Europe's second-biggest discount airline EasyJet said today it was interested in buying parts of struggling French carrier AOM/Air Liberte to boost its presence at Paris Orly airport.
AOM/Air Liberte owners Swissair Group and Marine Wendel are seeking a buyer for the loss-making airline, but potential bidders have so far been deterred by management's failure to agree a restructuring plan with staff.
British-based EasyJet said it was keen to establish Orly as a major European operating base and bring low-cost flights to the French market, and was seeking takeoff and landing slots as well as staff.
EasyJet has today approached Swissair and the French government to express an interest in acquiring some of the assets of AOM/Air Liberte, it said in a statement.
EasyJet spokesman Mr Toby Nicol said the company wanted to buy AOL/Air Liberte's 30 flight slots at Orly, as well as staff ranging from pilots to check-in-staff and equipment such as boarding gear.
A deal could safeguard hundreds of jobs, the statement said.
The spokesman declined to say how much EasyJet would be prepared to pay for the assets.