RYANAIR has begun inspecting 137 aircraft in its fleet after a fire destroyed a China Airlines plane last week.

The French government today said was to sell a 17.7% stake in Air France-KLM, the world’s largest airline, in a move that would help the state reduce its debt and scale back its influence on the Franco-Dutch carrier.

Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines may obtain European Commission approval for their planned merger as early as next week, according to French daily newspaper Les Echos.

BRITISH AIRWAYS, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, may revive a plan to merge with AMR Corp’s American Airlines if regulators allow Air France to take over KLM Royal Dutch Airlines .

RYANAIR flew 34% more passengers in April as the carrier added routes and cut fares amid a travel slump caused by the Iraq war and SARS.

European governments, not airlines, should foot the bill for upgrading air security in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a leading lobbyist claimed today.

The Dutch government has announced it will set aside £14m in compensation for five airlines to help counter losses due to the US terrorist attacks.

The Dutch government has announced it will set aside £14m in compensation for five airlines to help counter losses due to the US terrorist attacks.