Menu
08/01/2010
Ryanair Denies Third Aer Lingus Bid
The budget airline Ryanair - which flies from City of Derry and George Best Belfast City Airport - has waved off speculation it is preparing a third bid for Aer Lingus - which has a hub at Belfast International.
In a statement yesterday, updating investors on its year-to-date passenger figures, the Irish airline said there was no truth or basis to recent Irish media speculation that Ryanair was preparing a third bid for Aer Lingus.
Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary said: "Our position on Aer Lingus remains unchanged. A third bid is highly unlikely unless or until the Irish Government decides to dispose of its 25% stake in this loss making, increasingly marginalised, regional carrier."
The no-frills carrier said it planned to return cash to its shareholders from 2013 as it cuts capital spending by more than 90% after pulling out of talks to buy 200 aircraft from Boeing.
According to the statement, Ryanair's December traffic grew 12% to 4.9m, while annual traffic grew 13% to 65.3m for 2009.
Michael O'Leary said it expected its cash reserves of €2.5bn to grow 'substantially' by March 2013 due to the cutback in spending.
Meanwhile, Aer Lingus Group has formalised its code-share agreement with United Airlines to jointly operate scheduled service between Washington Dulles and Madrid, Spain.
The service will launch on 28 March and it is anticipated that additional routes may be made available for sale during 2010 to commence operation in Summer 2011.
(DW/GK)
In a statement yesterday, updating investors on its year-to-date passenger figures, the Irish airline said there was no truth or basis to recent Irish media speculation that Ryanair was preparing a third bid for Aer Lingus.
Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary said: "Our position on Aer Lingus remains unchanged. A third bid is highly unlikely unless or until the Irish Government decides to dispose of its 25% stake in this loss making, increasingly marginalised, regional carrier."
The no-frills carrier said it planned to return cash to its shareholders from 2013 as it cuts capital spending by more than 90% after pulling out of talks to buy 200 aircraft from Boeing.
According to the statement, Ryanair's December traffic grew 12% to 4.9m, while annual traffic grew 13% to 65.3m for 2009.
Michael O'Leary said it expected its cash reserves of €2.5bn to grow 'substantially' by March 2013 due to the cutback in spending.
Meanwhile, Aer Lingus Group has formalised its code-share agreement with United Airlines to jointly operate scheduled service between Washington Dulles and Madrid, Spain.
The service will launch on 28 March and it is anticipated that additional routes may be made available for sale during 2010 to commence operation in Summer 2011.
(DW/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 May 2024
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Irish Cup Final
The PSNI has issued traffic and travel advice ahead of the Irish Cup Final between Cliftonville and Linfield, taking place at the National Stadium on Saturday, 04 May. More than 14,000 supporters are expected to attend the match on what will be a busy bank holiday weekend.
Traffic And Travel Advice Ahead Of Irish Cup Final
The PSNI has issued traffic and travel advice ahead of the Irish Cup Final between Cliftonville and Linfield, taking place at the National Stadium on Saturday, 04 May. More than 14,000 supporters are expected to attend the match on what will be a busy bank holiday weekend.
11 April 2024
O'Dowd Reaffirms Commitment To Irish Language Roll-Out
The Department for Infrastructure is committed to the continued roll-out of the Irish language in west Belfast, Minister John O'Dowd has said.
O'Dowd Reaffirms Commitment To Irish Language Roll-Out
The Department for Infrastructure is committed to the continued roll-out of the Irish language in west Belfast, Minister John O'Dowd has said.
29 February 2024
'Future Of The Union Is In The Hands Of Our Children' – Sir Jeffrey
The choices unionists make today will either grow support for Northern Ireland or "cede ground to the enemies of the Union", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has told a meeting of Party members and supporters.
'Future Of The Union Is In The Hands Of Our Children' – Sir Jeffrey
The choices unionists make today will either grow support for Northern Ireland or "cede ground to the enemies of the Union", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has told a meeting of Party members and supporters.
12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
06 February 2024
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
Finance Minister Calls For Treasury Meeting On Financial Pressures
Northern Ireland's new Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has called for an urgent meeting with the Treasury to discuss the significant financial pressures facing our public services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy with any lingering showers soon dying out. Then a few clearer spells possible before low cloud spreads in through the early hours, with coastal fog in places. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
