Hostile aviation sector - This warring is futile

HOPEFULLY, the battle to save Aer Lingus will in future be fought on less difficult ground now that Ryanair’s takeover bid has been blocked by the European Court of Justice.

Management and unions at the troubled airline can at last concentrate on the task of keeping the company airborne without having to look over their shoulders at the predatory spectre of Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary looming over them. Though widely anticipated, the decision against Ryanair on competition grounds is yet another embarrassing blow for Mr O’Leary who has been the subject of a number of humbling verdicts in the Irish courts of late.

This issue has always been about the survival of Aer Lingus. The court ruling that Ryanair can hold on to its 29.9% stake in the loss making company, leaves Europe’s most successful airline facing a choice. It can either sell its shares or adopt a more positive approach towards Aer Lingus.