Abstract

EasyJet has achieved significant growth since its formation in 1995 and has become the highest profile although not the largest operator in the European "no-frills" short-haul airline sector. Its assertive public profile and successful stock market flotation in November 2000 reinforced its reputation for focused and effective management. The transition from private ownership to public quotation is a significant one for a fast-growing business to make, given the need to recognize institutional investors' perceptions as well as those of the public and of employee shareholders. The paper proposes that EasyJet is a prime example of entrepreneurial management in both its strategy and practice and that the case study can contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of entrepreneurial management.