Cossey played a key role shaping the UK charter airline industry in the late 1970s and 1980s, and was instrumental in turning Air Europe into one of the most successful leisure airlines of its era.

A former Dan-Air executive, he brought industry experience to the new airline and played a major role in designing the airline’s business model, fleet strategy and commercial approach.

Air Europe was the main supplier of charter seats to Intasun Leisure, which grew during the 1980s to become the UK's second-largest package tour operator after Thomson Travel Group.

The company helped shape the blueprint that today’s low‑cost carriers use, especially in Europe, by proving that a lean, efficient, high‑utilisation airline could compete with legacy carriers.

Cossey’s strategy was adopted and amplified by later low-cost carriers and he provided a consultancy role to Tony Ryan, co-founder of Ryanair, in the airline’s early days.

He went on to establish numerous other successful airlines over the course of his career, including Air 2000, Canada 3000 and Flying Colours.

Cossey, who died peacefully at home on Saturday (17 January), is survived by his family, including wife Sandra, their two children Adam and Fiona, and grandchildren Olivia, Jake Clara, Oscar and Amelia.