In news that will make you go “oh really?”, the European Commission has formally objected to Ryanair taking over Aer Lingus, and has lodged concerns over competition.
Currently, a total of 40 routes are shared like for like by Aer Lingus and Ryanair – and are the only operators on that route (a good example is my local route to Dublin from Birmingham where Ryanair and Aer Lingus are the only operators… and by the time I’ve done the math, Aer Lingus are a few pennies more on a bad day… )..
Ryanair states:
“Ryanair expects that the Commission will shortly market test this transformational remedies package, and remains confident that its offer for Aer Lingus will receive competition clearance following any fair assessment by the Commission. A detailed process of engagement with the EU Commission is now underway,”
Ryanair has offered to engage with other airlines to encourage competition on routes that are operated by the two airlines and states they have actually got agreement.
Ryanair is thinking its luck could be in as there has been some major consolidations taking place (or in progress).
If that’s enough to satisfy the EC, then its a possibility the takeover might be cleared.
However, that’s a question that is yet to be answered…