Air France-KLM to Reclaim EasyJet Clients Amid Potential Takeover Uncertainties, CEO Says

06:53 AM EDT, 08/02/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Air France-KLM (AF.PA) plans to reclaim passengers from budget airline easyJet (EZJ.L), London's Financial Times said Sunday, citing Chief Executive Ben Smith. Smith's statement came as US private equity group Apollo and credit group Castlelake are preparing to submit their final offers for easyJet. If either offer is approved, the process for the takeover is expected to stretch to 2027, with a potential company overhaul. A possible offer is expected as soon as the weekend. Smith added that the potential 5.7 billion-pound-sterling takeover will allow the French-Dutch airline to get some of its clients back, with the support of its low-cost product.