Easyjet and Virgin back Gatwick bid

Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic are joining forces to back a £2.5bn bid for Gatwick Airport, reported the Times. The airlines are in talks with financial backers, with the aim of forming a consortium which would see the carriers pledging to base large numbers of aircraft at Gatwick to "ensure its future income". BAA has had to put Gatwick up for sale, following a Competition Commission enquiry and the auction is expected to take place ahead of Christmas. The price is expected to be between £2bn and £2.5bn.