New trans-Atlantic LCC - RyanAir to Buy Aer Lingus?

[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

Europe's largest LCC, Ryanair, has bought almost 11% of Irish national flag carrier Aer Lingus and made a tender offer at a premium over market price for the remainder. Their stated purpose is to establish a trans-Atlantic presence. Ryanair is based in Ireland, and Aer Lingus has already been trying to reinvent itself as an LCC, so this would seem to be a good match up.

A trans-Atlantic LCC may be enough to make many of us even forget about ff miles! Ryanair has an extensive network in Europe, and I love their promotions a couple of times a year offering millions of free seats (5 million in the most recent promo) where you just have to pay taxes and fees. Being able to get passengers across the pond as well as all over Europe will be a big plus!

For their current route system, see www.ryanair.com/site/EN/dests.php?flash=chk

[Carol C Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carol C]

Fantastic news! They'll likely fly out of NYC and Atlanta if approved. That would give Delta a run for its money and means frequent sales. I've got a Europe bug, bigtime, so this is great news to me Thanks for posting Carolinian!

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Aer Lingus has rejected the bid from RyanAir, but RyanAir has since increased its shareholding in the company to 19.2%. Could be interesting times ahead.
RyanAir claim they would continue to run both airlines on any routes on which they currently compete.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Sweet!

and just in time for our England and ? trip next summer.