Ryanair: BA / Iberia deal ‘inevitable’; eyes Aer Lingus again
14.11.09
Ryanair said yesterday that the merger of British Airways and Iberia was ‘inevitable’ due to low-cost competition. The budget airline added that it should now be allowed take over its domestic rival Aer Lingus.
A Ryanair spokesman said: ‘This merger is the latest in a long line of European high fares airlines merging because they can't compete with Ryanair's lowest fares and no fuel surcharge flights. Consolidation is the only option for these high fares airlines. Both are facing a winter of industrial action and both charge high fares and fuel surcharges.'
‘It's obvious in a Europe, where there are four large airline groups that Aer Lingus needs a strong and stable partner. Ryanair believes it is obvious that the future of Aer Lingus can only be secured as part of one strong Irish airline group, led by Ryanair, which is capable of not just competing with Air France, BA and Lufthansa, but of beating them.'
Ryanair has attempted to take over Aer Lingus twice, but was blocked by the company, the Irish government - which has a 25% stake in Aer Lingus - and the European Commission, which cited competition issues.
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