Ryanair will appeal if ordered to dilute Aer Lingus holding

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary does not expect that the airline will have to sell any of its near 30% stake in Aer Lingus when Britain’s Competition Commission rules on its findings next month.

Speaking yesterday after a company EGM to rule on Ryanair’s latest aircraft order, Mr O’Leary said the airline’s shareholders remain happy with the company’s strategy and are as puzzled by the threat on the Aer Lingus stake as much as Ryanair’s management.

Last month, Britain’s Competition Commission claimed that Ryanair’s shareholding in Aer Lingus allowed it to influence commercial policy and strategy.