BERLIN, Sept 22 (Reuters) - British budget carrier easyJet is close to taking a stake in German airline TUIFly inorder to secure flying rights in Europe even after Britainleaves the European Union, German publication manager magazinreported on Thursday, citing sources.
EasyJet could be left without the rights to operateinner-European flights, which analysts estimate account foraround one third of its business, should Britain leave the EUwithout negotiating access to the common EU aviation area.
EasyJet CEO Carolyn McCall has therefore been looking atways of obtaining the necessary licences to continue to operateas an EU carrier.
TUI Group, which owns TUIFly, and easyJet declinedimmediate comment. (Reporting by Victoria Bryan, Peter Maushagen and Sarah Young;Editing by Harro ten Wolde)