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Ryanair: Hard for EU to block AL bid

Thursday, October 04 14:53:20

It will be hard for European regulators to come up with compelling reasons to block Ryanair's latest bid to take over rival Aer Lingus, the airline said today.

The European Commission is currently reviewing the airline's E694m offer with a decision expected in January.

The no-frills airline said it is working with up to ten other airlines and charter companies to deal with any competition issues that the EU watchdog might have regarding routes.

"I think it's going to be difficult for Brussels this time to come up with reasons to block it," said Ryanair spokesman, Stephen McNamara.

Mr McNamara stood by claims made by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary in today's Irish Indepedent that they would offer E99 transatlantic flights if they took over Aer Lingus.

He said they would look at revamping business class on Aer Lingus flights to attract more passengers.

The airline was unveiling an additional daily return flight between Dublin and Brussels Charleroi from November to mark Ireland's upcoming European Presidency.