EASYJET is set to raise around £100m with a partial stock flotation in New York and London.
The sale of 25% of the low-cost carrier on US stock market Nasdaq and on the London Stock Exchange is expected to take place this summer.
Capital raised will go towards acquiring new aircraft to expand its European network and to set up new hubs.
Analyst Andrew Monk of Dutch bank ABNAmro met EasyJet chairman Stelios Haji-Ioannou to discuss the float.
Monk said:”Stelios has done a lot of thinking about this – I like his strategy.”
He said EasyJet would almost certainly list in New York as well as London to improve the chances share take up. Monk predicted a successful sale.
However, he warned other low-cost airlines which have floated, notably Ryanair, may experience a drop in share value as investors take stakes in EasyJet.
The Luton-based airline’s growth has slowed in the past year, while rivals Go, Ryanair and Buzz have rapidly expanded. An injection of fresh capital will herald a new phase of expansion.
A spokesman for the carrier confirmed the 25% sale.
He said: “We are working with some of the biggest banks to find advisors.
“EasyJet is committed to a flotation but as an independent airline. We certainly do not want to be part of a huge conglomerate.”