EasyJet has launched Worldwide by EasyJet, which it
claims is "the first global airline connections service by a European low
fares airline." The service offers through fares for EasyJet passengers arriving
at London Gatwick and connecting there to long-haul flights on Norwegian and on Canadian
carrier WestJet. No interline or codeshare agreements are involved. Rather, a
passenger uses EasyJet's platform to book with an EasyJet partner, and the
passenger designates the EasyJet flight from which he or she is connecting.
Then, EasyJet transfers the bags to the passenger's next flight. Minimum
connecting time is two-and-a-half hours, and EasyJet will not hold departures
for passengers transferring from late-running inbound flights. Instead,
passengers who miss their connections will be put on the next available
departure.
Worldwide by EasyJet also can be used to book through
fares for passengers connecting between two of EasyJet's 200,000 annual Gatwick
flights.
EasyJet said talks are in progress to add Middle
Eastern and Asian carriers, among others to the service. EasyJet also would
like to expand it to Milan Malpensa, Geneva, Amsterdam, Paris Charles de Gaulle
and Barcelona airports.
Separately, EasyJet said it has bid for some of
the assets of bankrupt German airline Airberlin.