Ex-easyJet chief Ray Webster dies aged 79

Former easyJet chief executive Ray Webster has died 20 years after leaving the airline.

He joined the budget airline in its infancy in 1995 from Air New Zealand after writing to founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou to offer his services.

He started as managing director before becoming chief executive following its stock market flotation in 2000.

Webster oversaw the airline’s expansion from the Luton-based carrier to a major European force, dominating the low-cost sector with Ryanair.

He presiding over easyJet’s share listing, the acquisition of Go and the building of a fleet of 120 Airbus aircraft at the time of his departure in 2006.

Webster, who grew up in New Zealand, died on February 14 aged 79.

His funeral is to be held at St Marylebone Crematorium in London on March 18.