Evening guys, some not so good news for competition here in Europe as the small guys start playing big boys games. BBC TV News tonight reported that one of the few routes where EZY and GOE fly head to head is Edinburgh-Belfast, with EZY quoting ZERO flight prices, just government and airport tax, on the route. Ryanair are strong competition for both here in the UK and increasingly in Europe. Easyjet had been recently reported as being in negotiations with Boeing and Airbus over an order approaching 100 737NG/319 aircraft. Go had also been reported as starting to look for newer equipment to replace their leased fleet of 3 to 14 year old 737-300s. Ryanair had recently concluded a deal for up to 100 737-800s over nearly ten years with Boeing. Jim >From bbc.co.uk/news : Friday, 3 May, 2002, 17:29 GMT 18:29 UK Easyjet in talks to buy rival Go Easyjet, the UK-based low cost airline, is in talks about buying its rival Go. If a deal goes ahead, the company would be a major player in Europe, rivalling no frills airline Ryanair and posing a greater threat to British Airways. It would create a substantial low-cost airline in Europe. Easyjet has confirmed that talks have been going on for some time and has said negotiations are at an advanced stage and are continuing. The company said it was forced to make a statement to the London Stock Exchange when it became aware that news of the negotiations had been leaked. The statement was made in consultation with Go and 3i, a venture capital group that owns 43% of Go. Easyjet said it had previously indicated that it would actively consider all possible opportunities for further expansion in the European short haul airline market. And the company pointed out that since the terrorist attacks of 11 September the opportunities to expand had increased. A 3i spokeswoman said talks began after it and the board of Go were approached by Easyjet. "Obviously it would create a substantial low-cost airline in Europe. If an offer is made we will consider that along with the board of Go and other shareholders," she said. Easyjet was set up in 1995 by the flamboyant entrepreneur and shipping tycoon, Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The airline's main base is at Luton airport, in Bedfordshire, 30 miles north of central London but it also flies from London Gatwick and Liverpool. It has 31 737-300 and 737-700 aircraft flying to 45 destinations. Mr Haji-Ioannou recently said he was stepping down as the airline's chairman to concentrate on expanding Easy Group into areas such as cinemas and low cost hotels. Sir Colin Chandler was named as his replacement. Go is based at Stansted airport, in Essex, and was set up by British Airways in 1998. It has a 22-strong fleet of 737-300 aircraft flying to 38 destinations. Mr Haji-Ioannou has always been fiercely critical of his rival, which he felt was unfairly subsidised by BA. He even used the launch of Go to win publicity for his own airline by booking seats and turning up wearing Easyjet's trademark orange uniform. In June last year, British Airways sold Go but the rivalry with Easyjet appeared to be as intense as ever. Go chief executive, Barbara Cassani, an American, was appointed by the then chief executive of British Airways, Bob Ayling. Ms Cassani was recently named Veuve Clicquot businesswoman of the year. Easyjet shares ended the day up nearly 5% at 472p with Ryanair up 2% at 382.5p. BA shares were 4% lower at 229.5p.