EasyJet CE says `flailing' Air France, Lufthansa are easy prey

EasyJet said weaknesses at network rivals Air France-KLM Group and Lufthansa will allow it to carry on grabbing customers in key countries after suffering a series of setbacks while seeking to attack new markets. CE Carolyn McCall says she’s unperturbed at having to rein in operations to Moscow as a result of the weakening Russian economy and stricter visa rules, North Africa as a result of the deteriorating security situation and in Italy after encountering heightened competition. “When you look at short-haul Europe, we’re winning, and we will continue to take share from legacy carriers who are flailing, restructuring, trying to find the right model for themselves,” McCall said. “They can never have the low-cost culture, the low-cost mentality, and they can never have the same kind of cost efficiency.” <br/>