Ryanair says open to offer for Aer Lingus

Ryanair says open to offer for Aer Lingus

Ryanair says it will consider any offer for its stake in Aer Lingus, which is currently being pursued for a takeover by British Airways owner IAG.

London-listed International Airlines Group is drumming up support for its 1.35 billion euros ($A1.93 billion) bid for Aer Lingus but needs the support of Ryanair, which holds almost 30 per cent of the former Irish national carrier.

IAG is also looking to convince the Irish government to sell its 25.1 per cent stake, with Dublin stating it needs further commitments on connectivity and employment.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said the group had not been approached directly by IAG about selling its stake – but indicated it was open to an offer.

“We’ve always said the stake is for sale. What would comprise an offer that’s acceptable to the board of Ryanair, I can’t comment on,” O’Leary told reporters at a press conference in London.

“Our position is: our stake is available for sale, if someone comes up with the right offer that the board considers to be acceptable.”

Back in January, the Aer Lingus board said it was “willing to recommend” a takeover approach worth 2.55 euros per share – subject to certain conditions.

O’Leary added on Tuesday that Ryanair would also be seeking assurances over IAG’s future plans for Aer Lingus – particularly on the issue of competition.

Ryanair had previously made three separate bids for Irish rival Aer Lingus, all of which failed on competition grounds.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Highlights of CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific

Delays in new aircraft delivery, supply-chain issues, terminal upgrades, premium travel, the failure of China to return to global travel, plus sustainable fuel were the hot topics for the hundreds of delegates who attended Day 1 of the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific at The Star in Brisbane today. On sustainable aviation fuel, while […]

  • Aviation

Air India to target Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, says its CEO & MD

Air India, now part of the huge TATA group, is on a steady rebuild and will target the growing diaspora of Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, said its CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. Over the last two years, Air India has increased flights to Australia by 113 per cent per week, increased the number […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]

  • Cruise
  • Cruise Lines

Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary

Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]