Ryanair optimistic on Strasbourg ruling

Ryanair has confirmed that they are optistmic following the court hearing in Strasbourg this morning and that they were particularly encouraged by the Commissioner of the Government's comments, who in his summation, made three points:

1. that the Administrative Tribunal in Strasbourg did not have the competence to hear such a commercial dispute.

2. that the agreement between Ryanair and Strasbourg did not constitute state aid, and

3. that the Britair / Air France case be thrown out and that costs be awarded against Britair / Air France.

Speaking from outside the Court of Appeals in Nancy this morning, Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary said that Ryanair was pleased with how the hearing went and optimistic that it will find in its favour.