11/03/2009

Ryanair To Give Away Free Flights After Aer Lingus Losses

Ryanair have promised over 100,000 free flights as Aer Lingus announced pre-tax losses of almost €120million on Wednesday.

Ireland's second biggest airline reported an after-tax loss of €107.8 million. The company claimed "unprecedented high fuel prices" last year resulted in a 54% increase in fuel costs.

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said: "2008 was a year of exceptionally challenging trading conditions for the aviation industry as a whole.

"For Aer Lingus, falling consumer demand in key markets, a weakening dollar and sterling, and increased competition across the network combined to put sustained and significant pressure on our business throughout the year."

The news of the losses comes only days after their bitter rivals Ryanair announced an unprecedented new promotion on Monday, to give away 1,000 free seats for every €1million of after tax losses announced by Aer Lingus.

If the budget airline keeps to its word, Ryanair will release between 107,800 free seats for travel during the last week of March.

Ryanair said it was taking the initiative due to Aer Lingus's refusal to sell the airline.

Ryanair said the offer will be released on their website www.ryanair.com at 2.00pm on Wednesday 11th March.

(DW/BMcC)

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