Easy Jet Chief Executive Resigns

He will remain in his current role until June 30, 2010, but his contract has been amended to ensure a smooth transition until a new chief executive can be found.

Harrison, 52, wasn't immediately available to comment.

At the same time, easyJet said Michael Rake will take over from David Michels as chairman from Jan. 1, 2010. Rake has been deputy chairman and senior independent director since June , The Wall Street Journal reports .

It was also reported, e asyJet has been one of the few airlines to make a profit in the last year, although it has not been without its problems in the boardroom.

It recently resolved a long-running spat with the airline's founder and biggest shareholder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou over growth plans, announcing the board had reached agreement on a "prudent" fleet expansion programme.

Sir Stelios owns 15.5% of the company and votes with his sisters to give a combined stake of 26.8%. His brother owns a further 11.3%.

The flamboyant easyGroup empire millionaire wanted the board to consider maintaining dividend payouts by scaling back growth plans to match market conditions.

Interim chairman Sir David Michels, who is remaining with the company as senior independent director, paid tribute to Mr Harrison.

He said: "EasyJet has been the best performing European airline through the recession and we thank Andy for his considerable contribution during this period and his leadership of the company over the last four years , " The Press Association reports.

Reuters quoted Arbuthnot analyst Gerald Khoo as saying, "We remain positive on easyJet's long-term fundamentals, with opportunities to gain market share profitably during the recession. However, we accept that a company with no permanent CFO and in search of a new CEO may well struggle to outperform in the short term."