There was me thinking Stelios was getting out because he's an entrepeneur?!? He's good at that, what's he not especially talented at is running an established company (his excuse not mine). His family still own a large percentage of the shares.
Longhaul doesn't even feature in the plan for easyJet. eJ is based around the SouthWest concept. Stick to what they're good at is the plan.
Point taken about getting larger and the associated costs but on that front they're at least making an effort. Rather than build an Orange Waterside they've gone and bought another warehouse to convert into offices at Luton Airport
As for shareholders sticking around, you yourself said they'll be around as a viable company. Well if the viable company is making good profits why shouldn't eJ remain in someones balanced portfolio?
Read this article about airlines (& steel) in the States. Uncanny parallels spring to mind about the old established airlines.
http://www.fool.co.uk/stockideas/200...emaillunchhtml