Low-cost airline easyJet said on Friday it had been approached by fledgling Saudi Arabian airline National Air Services (NAS) to use its branding in the Middle East.
EasyJet, known for its bright orange planes, said it was evaluating the opportunity to franchise its brand but did not expect a final decision until early 2007.
NAS, which wants to set up Saudi Arabia's first private commercial airline, made the approach alongside Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj Capital.
NAS has applied for a license to operate domestic flights in Saudi Arabia and hopes to operate low-cost flights to other areas in the Arabian Gulf.
EasyJet said it would not invest any equity or cash if it took up the opportunity and a decision would depend on NAS's application for a license and whether it would add significant shareholder value.
"Since it is expected that this will take the remainder of 2006, a decision in relation to this opportunity is unlikely before early 2007," it said.
Entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who founded easyJet in 1995, has extended the "easy" brand to a range of other no-frills businesses including car rental, finance, leisure, music, men's grooming products and a cruise ship.
NAS is a privately owned corporate jet operator which first announced plans in 2003 to start a domestic airline to compete with flagship carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines.
