(BSS/AFP) - A US private equity firm hoping to buy EasyJet said Monday it has had three non-binding takeover proposals turned down by the British no-frills airline, the latest totalling nearly £5 billion ($6.6 billion).

Castlelake first publicly disclosed its interest in buying the carrier, which flies mostly across Europe, at the end of May.

"Following the rejection of three proposals by the EasyJet board, and given its unwillingness to engage meaningfully, Castlelake is announcing this third proposal to enable EasyJet shareholders to consider its merits," a statement said.