EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic may join forces to make a £2.5 billion bid for Gatwick Airport, it is reported.
The two airlines are in talks with financial backers about forming a consortium, according to The Times.
The carriers have reportedly guaranteed to base a large number of aircraft at Gatwick if they do buy the airport, in order to shore up its fut
ure revenues.
EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic currently work together with five other airlines as part-owners of the National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS). It is understood that some or all of the other five - British Airways, Thompsonfly, Monarch MyTravel and bmi British Midland - could also be involved in a consortium.
A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic did not deny the report, but said that no firm plans had yet been made.
He said: "We have always been interested in bringing together a consortium to buy the airport. We are talking to lots of different parties at present and those talks continue."
BAA, the airports operator, put Gatwick up for sale in September to pre-empt a break-up order from the Competition Commission, which is expected to rule next year that the company's control of London's airports constitutes a monopoly.
RBS and HSBC, which are handling the sale of Gatwick, are expected to begin the auction just before Christmas.
A prospectus will be presented to interested parties with an estimated price range of between £2 billion and £2.5 billion.
Consortiums that join the auction will be vetted by the Competition Commission, which aims to ensure that Gatwick's new owner has the financial strength to invest in the airport's infrastructure.
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