Takeover of Aer Lingus remains an ambition

RYANAIR, which announced a sharp 47% drop in first half profits to €215 million, is still confident of acquiring Aer Lingus.

Over the past two years Ryanair has built up a 29.4% stake in its rival but it is appealing a decision by EU regulators to block a takeover bid.

Ryanair’s deputy chief executive, Michael Cawley joked yesterday that there is no denying Ryanair is paranoid as it genuinely feels the EU is “out to get us”.