The Republic of Ireland, which owns 25 percent of Aer Lingus (Dublin), has publicly expressed its opposition to the takeover of Aer Lingus by rival Ryanair (Dublin). The European Commission will be the final judge on whether Ryanair can continue to acquire additional shares of Aer Lingus for a possible controlling interest. Ryanair currently controls 30 percent of Aer Lingus stock.
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Ryanair issued the following “no comment statement”:
Ryanair said it has no comment to make on the Minister Varadkarโs statement.ย Since the Government owns just 25% of Aer Lingus, it has no power to block Ryanairโs offer, which can still be successfully completed if we acquire a shareholding of 50% or more (Ryanair currently owns 30%).
The progress of Ryanairโs offer is subject to the outcome of the current EU competition review and Ryanair is continuing to progress that approval process, having submitted an unprecedented remedies package, which will increase competition, choice, traffic and jobs to and from the island of Ireland.
In other news for Ryanair, the ultra-fare carrierย announced it had received the final two aircraft of its current Boeing order, growing its fleet to 305 Boeing 737-800s.
According to the airline, “Ryanairโs fleet is the youngest in Europe, with an average age of less than four years, making Ryanair the greenest and cleanest airline. Ryanair confirmed its intention to place a significant order for further aircraft once a sensible pricing agreement with a suitable manufacturer can be reached.”
Ryanair also announced a new route from Ireland West Airport Knockย to Malaga in Spain starting on April 4, 2013. Ryanair also announcedย a new route from London Stansted to Kefalonia in Greece from April 1, 2013 and a new route fromย East Midlands to Zadar also from April 1, 2013.
Finally Ryanairย announced it would open its 54thย base (firstย in Croatia) at Zadar in April 2013 with one-based aircraft and unveiled 7 new routes (16 in total), to/from Dublin, East Midlands, Gothenburg, Haugesund, Liverpool, Paris and Wroclaw.
Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner. Aer Lingus is an Airbus operator and Ryanair is a loyal Boeing customer up until now, although it is due to place another order. The battle for Aer Lingus could also determine which manufacturer prevails in the future if a takeover and merger is successful. Airbus A319-111 EI-EPR (msn 3169) of Aer Lingus arrives at London (Heathrow).
Aer Lingus:ย
Ryanair:ย
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