Air France-KLM CEO signals willingness to engage in talks on possible easyJet bid

Air France-KLM chief executive Ben Smith has indicated he would be willing to consider involvement in discussions tied to a potential bid for easyJet, according to remarks reported by Bloomberg.

Smith said he would “absolutely” take a call from U.S. investment firm Castlelake if it proceeds with a formal proposal while stressing that Air France-KLM is not currently participating in any bid for easyJet.

Castlelake is considering a takeover offer for easyJet and has until the end of the month to decide whether to move forward or abandon the plan. Smith noted that interest in easyJet is unsurprising, pointing to what he described as the airline’s “very impressive” network of landing rights.

He also said Air France-KLM is not involved in any active transaction but left open the possibility of future discussions if approached. “Absolutely, and I expect all our competitors would do the same,” Smith said when asked whether the company would take a call about a potential proposal.

Castlelake’s potential move would require a European partner due to regulatory restrictions that prevent a U.S. firm from holding a majority stake in a European airline. Air France-KLM has previously worked with Castlelake, including in a joint acquisition involving Scandinavian carrier SAS.