Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Another business venture?
The founder of easyGroup, the company that owns easyJet, is to launch a low-cost grocery business. easyFoodstore aims to undercut the prices of low-budget supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl. Other easy brands include easyHotel, easyCar and easyBus.
Has life always been this easy?
Yes and no. He was handed a tidy sum by his shipping magnate father at the age of 25 with which he set up his own shipping company and then, in 1995, easyJet. But in 1991, an oil tanker owned by his father’s company, which he worked for, suffered a major disaster resulting in the deaths of five people and the spillage of 50,000 tonnes of crude oil into the sea. Sir Stelios was charged with manslaughter in Italy. However, the jury acquitted him.
Was he ever in court again?
Yep. In 2009, he brought proceedings to London’s High Court over Ryanair adverts depicting Sir Stelios as Pinocchio and referring to him as “easyJet’s Mr Late Again”. The case was settled out of court, with Sir Stelios receiving an apology and the sum of £50,100, which he announced he would donate to charity.
What are his politics?
Sir Stelios, 46, is a member of the New Enterprise Council, a group that advises the Conservative Party on business policy. He also lives in Monaco for tax reasons.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments