Economy Class & Beyond

European Commission blocks Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus

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In what is surprising... well... no-one, The European Commission has blocked Ryanair from taking over Aer Lingus. Commision Neelie Kroes states that the takover would "Have led to dramatically reduced choice for consumers and, as a result, the likelihood of lower quality and higher fares. They were in particular not capable of ensuring that other airlines would enter the … [Read more...]

Aer Arran to operate more Aer Lingus services

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If you're wondering why I'm not writing about the AA/US Merger, it's been well covered with a lot of different angles. I'll have my commentary on it as the merger/takeover/reverse takeover continues. Moving onto matters a bit closer to Ireland and the United Kingdom is the news that Aer Arran is reciving a new fleet of ATR 72-600's beginning in May, with major changes to … [Read more...]

Ryanair goes on the offensive over Aer Lingus take over

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Ryanair appears to be going on the offensive after meetings with the EU Commission is intending to block the Ryanair buying Aer Lingus. As you can guess, those over at Ryanair HQ aren't impressed and are preparing to instruct their lawyers to go on the offensive if the takeover is denied by the EU Commission Ryanair states “It appears clear from this morning’s meeting, … [Read more...]

Merry Christmas from GhettoIFE

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Well, it's Christmas day here, and at this point, I'd like to wish all my readers a very happy Christmas Day. Where-ever you are in the world, I hope you are spending this period with the ones you love. --- Speaking of Christmas, all I expect out of most airlines are either 1) an eCard or 2) Christmas sales notifications. One airline however stood out by sending a … [Read more...]

New LHR T2 continues apace… but where are some airlines ending up?

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London Heathrow T2. For some of you, you'll have flashbacks to the Europa Terminal as it used to be called. Well, that's all changed as the new Heathrow T2 is nearing completion. Roof of the new LHR T2 - Image BAA. Well to no-one's surprise, T2 will be the home of Star Alliance with plans for all Star Alliance airlines who operate in and out of Heathrow to move into … [Read more...]

European Commision formally objects to Ryanair’s takeover of Aer Lingus.

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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 … [Read more...]

Ryanair makes yet another bid for Aer Lingus

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One of Ryanair's past-times is the constant stalking of Aer Lingus. Ryanair (who own 29.8% of Aer Lingus) has placed a fat offer of a 694 million euro cash bid for Aer Lingus in a new attempt to gain of EI, at 1.30 euros per share There are two rather big obstacles to overcome for a takeover however - The Office of Fair Trading ruled that Ryanair's ownership of the … [Read more...]

What’s in… the Aer Lingus Elite Matching Kit?

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Well I plumped for Aer Lingus Gold (well, lets face it - it's a Gold I'll actually use as the Aer Lingus service between Birmingham and Dublin mainly because it's 1) marginally more expensive that Ryanair (we're talking about £1-£2 at most) and 2) I get treated a lot more humanely as opposed to being treated like cattle.) So what's in the kit? Envelope - … [Read more...]