The Curaçao airline chooses pragmatism over legal battle with easyGroup.
Regional airline EZAir, based in Curaçao, will change its name to Z Air following accusations of trademark infringement by easyGroup Holdings. This company, which owns easyJet, among others, accuses the Caribbean airline of violating intellectual property rights and has demanded that the sale of airline tickets to Colombia to British, European and American passengers be stopped immediately.
According to René Winkel, CEO of EZAir, the company recently received a registered letter from easyGroup. “We obviously do not agree with easyJet's position. But as a relatively small regional carrier, we cannot afford a lengthy legal battle with a very well-capitalized group like easyGroup, especially given the uncertain outcome,” Winkel explains.
EZAir chose a new trade name to solve the problem. While the airline's legal entity and flight operations will remain the same, the name change will also lead to the launch of a new website. “Over the years we have built up a strong position on our routes with a good product and comfortable aircraft. None of that will change, and we are confident about this rebranding,” Winkel added.
René Winkel, director of EZ Air, emphasized that the transition to the new name will be accompanied by minimal disruption. “Only minor adjustments are being made to our logo, aircraft and visual brand identity. Additionally, our existing IATA code, 7Z, makes this transition the easiest solution!” Winkel said.
EasyGroup, which reportedly spends $1,2 million annually on detecting "brand theft," did not respond to requests for comment. In the past, the group has also filed lawsuits against EasyFly in Colombia and numerous other companies using variations of its brand name. This included the music band Easy Life and the Honduran airline EasySky.
Sueyenne Dammerman, the commercial director, confirmed that the rebranding will not impact the airline's operations, passengers or employees. “We are grateful for the support we have received throughout this process, not only from our team of dedicated employees, but also from many of our loyal passengers. This encouragement further motivates us to continuously improve our product,” said Dammerman. The new brand identity will be gradually implemented over the coming weeks.
