EasyJet calls for BAA's finances to be made public

EasyJet has called on the Civil Aviation Authority to make BAA’s failing finances public under the Freedom of Information Act.

In a letter sent to CAA, easyJet’s chief executive Andy Harrison asked for the immediate release of detailed information of the financial status of both BAA and its parent Ferrovial Group “in order to have clarity about the risk posed to the airline industry and the UK economy as a whole”.

The low-cost airline said it was alarmed by statements made by BAA’s chief executive Stephen Nelson to the CAA on January 29, when Nelson suggested that “forward looking uncertainty is far greater than before the crisis” and said that “it is essential that BAA’s financial position is not further negatively impacted”.

Following these statements, easyJet said it has requested BAA to provide information on its financial condition, but so far to no avail.

“Whilst overhauling airport regulation is a necessity, making BAA’s failed finances public is an emergency,” said Harrison.

“The company is highly indebted and there is much speculation about its financial survival. It is crucial to the UK economy and the flying public to know whether there is a ‘Southern Rock’ looming.”

By Bev Fearis