Merger leaves Irish airlines ‘unscathed’

THERE should be little immediate impact on Aer Lingus and Ryanair following the merger of Air France and Dutch carrier KLM to create Europe’s biggest airline, analysts predicted last night.

The creation of Air France-KLM will form the third-largest carrier in the world with annual revenue of about €19.2 billion.

NCB Stockbrokers' airline sector analyst, Shane Matthews said the deal may even open up opportunities for Ryanair's point-to-point routes in Europe as the new Air France-KLM entity consolidates its hub operations.