Multiple carriers have reportedly entered into a multi-million pound bidding war for Thomas Cook’s lucrative take-off and landing slots.
EasyJet, British Airways owner IAG, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air have all reportedly made bids for Cook’s slots, both Sky News and The Financial Times report.
It comes after Cook’s official receiver KPMG set a Wednesday (16 October) deadline for bids. KPMG declined to comment on the reports.
Any deals are expected to be completed by mid-November.
Peak slots, including 15 daily summer pairs making up 3.5% of capacity at Gatwick airport, could generate millions for Cook’s liquidators.
When Monarch Airlines collapsed in 2017, its administrators generated more than £50 million by selling its slots at Gatwick and Luton airports to British Airways and Wizz Air.
The Financial Times further reports European investment firm Triton Partners remains interested in Cook’s Nordic division.
Hays Travel, meanwhile, has taken on Cook’s entire retail estate of 555 shops.