Air price wars to boost winter flyers

Customers are set to reap the benefits of an impending price war among major airlines this winter, with Ryanair the latest to make bullish statements of its intention to emerge on top.

The airline yesterday threw down the gauntlet to rivals, including Aer Lingus, by insisting it was ready for the increased competition and would not be beaten on price.

The lower fares bonanza could be sparked by “irrational pricing” by some airlines as they line up to pass on fuel savings to customers, according to Ryanair chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs. He said it was likely to be a “great winter for customers”.