easyJet, the UK’s largest and best value airline, is launching eight new routes for winter 2010.

easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is taking to the witness box today in his High Court battle against the airline over a brand licence disagreement. Stelios, who recently resigned as a director but remains a significant shareholder, is suing easyJet over allegedly overstepping a brand licensing agreement.

easyJet has unveiled a radar system that will allow airlines to safely fly around ash clouds. The device incorporates infra-red technology that highlights potentially damaging particles within a 100km radius, thereby enabling the pilot to change course and continue their journey safely.

easyJet, the UK ’s largest and best value airline, has sold half of its available flights from the UK over the BA strike dates since action was first proposed.

The acrimonious departure of Stelios Haji-Ioannou from easyJet’s board could lead to the low-cost carrier dropping the word “easy” from its name. The airline has already drawn up contingency plans if it cannot find a resolution to the bitter dispute with the founder.

TUI Travel – Europe’s largest tour operator – has reported a widening of financial losses for the first half of 2010, partially driven by disruption caused by volcanic ash. Also reporting today, easyJet has revealed ash disruption will cost between £50m and £70m, forcing the low-cost carrier to reduce earnings expectations for 2010.