Haji-Ioannou – who is a minority shareholder in the airline through easyGroup – had called for their heads in an open letter to the chairman, citing a loss of faith in the management.

Ed Winter, who had already announced his intention to leave the company, and general counsel Krista Bates will both now depart this week.

Chairman Colin Childs will occupy the executive chairman role until a replacement for Winter can be found.

Haji-Ioannou said: "These changes are long overdue. These two individuals are responsible for the ridiculous overhead cost in the company.

"As shareholders, we hope that Colin Child as executive chairman will now cut such overhead costs before the company will run out of money."

The general meeting requested by Haji-Ioannou will now not take place.

Winter said: "I feel privileged to have had this unique and exciting opportunity to lead an incredible team in changing the face of African aviation. We have been pioneers in bringing a true low-cost airline model to sub-Saharan Africa.”