Ryanair on Open Skies – “It’s about time”

Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline has welcomed the introduction of Open Skies between the EU and the US. As Ryanair has proved in Europe, the liberalisation of air transport delivers increased competition, better choice, and lower airfares for consumers.

Speaking today, Ryanair's Peter Sherrard said:

"Ryanair welcomes this Open Skies agreement because Irish passengers will now enjoy greater choice and lower airfares on transatlantic routes. For years prices have been too high on these routes because of Government controlled bi-lateral agreements.

"Ryanair calls on the EU to use this opportunity to apply the benefits of deregulation to airports too. In Ireland consumers are still paying for an absence of competition in this sector which is bedevilled by protected monopoly airports.

"Real competition would put an end to the Dublin Airport Monopoly's plans to make passengers pay for a €750m second terminal when similar sized terminals are being built elsewhere in Europe for a tenth of the price. If passengers are enjoying the benefits of competition between airlines, then surely they deserve an end to Government.”