Air Scoop - United Kingdom

EasyJet CIO named number one in CIO 100

2012-02-17T19:13:00.003+01:00

EasyJet CIO Trevor Didcock has been named as the number one CIO in Great Britain in a new look CIO 100 published by IDG title CIO UK today.

Ryanair v Wizz Air: round 3

2012-02-16T19:18:00.000+01:00

Ryanair v Wizz Air: round 3

Ryanair, the Irish no-frills airline, on Tuesday boasted of its “phenomenal” success in ticket sales for newly-announced flights serving Budapest, in the wake of the collapse of Malev, the Hungarian flag carrier.

Ryanair staffed deemed 'ugliest' in new poll

2012-02-16T19:17:00.004+01:00

Ryanair staffed deemed 'ugliest' in new poll

Ryanair staff have been deemed the least attractive in a survey of British holidaymakers, while Virgin Atlantic’s flight crews were crowned best looking.

Ryanair to Increase its Bag Fees

2012-02-16T19:16:00.003+01:00

Ryanair to Increase its Bag Fees

A new investigation, by the Irish Independent, has found that baggage fees could cost families up to £320. Apparently, it was found that low-cost airlines are weighing down fares with high fees for bags that are checked in. Of course, Ryanair was called out as the worst to impose high charges for checking in baggage.

Ryanair’s sexy staff calendar adverts banned

2012-02-16T19:16:00.000+01:00

Ryanair’s sexy staff calendar adverts banned

Back in November 2011 we ran a story ‘sexy staff strip for Ryanair calendar’. Apparently it was a little too sexy as Ryanair have had two UK newspaper adverts banned after complaints that they were sexist.

EasyJet investors back board in pay battle

2012-02-15T18:54:00.000+01:00

EasyJet investors back board in pay battle

EasyJet's board has won the support of its three largest institutional shareholders in its increasingly bitter battle with founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou over executive pay.

Hungary Wizz Air rejects rival Ryanair's claim about EU ownership rule violation

2012-02-15T18:53:00.000+01:00

Hungary Wizz Air rejects rival Ryanair's claim about EU ownership rule violation

Ryanair’s claims about Wizz Air’s ownership structure are false, just like its other statements, the Hungary-based low-cost carrier responded to an announcement by the Irish rival that it will turn to the European Commission with a complaint that Wizz Air’s ownership structure would not allow it to operate as it does in the EU.

'Sexist' Ryanair advert banned by watchdog after thousands sign employee's online petition calling it 'demeaning'

2012-02-15T18:46:00.001+01:00

'Sexist' Ryanair advert banned by watchdog after thousands sign employee's online petition calling it 'demeaning'

A 'sexist' and 'demeaning' Ryanair advert has been banned by the advertising watchdog after a number of the airlines' female staff complained. The Advertising Standards Authority said the campaign, which showed a scantily-clad model in lingerie and ran last November with the strapline 'Red Hot Fares & Crew', objectified women.

Vueling increases the number of passengers carried in January by 13.3%

2012-02-14T19:47:00.003+01:00

Vueling increases the number of passengers carried in January by 13.3%

Vueling, the new generation airline, has carried 727,704 passengers in January 2012. This represents a 13.3% increase compared with January 2011. The company has reached a load factor of 72.3%, 5.8 points higher than last year.

Ryanair disputes retired pilot inquiry

2012-02-14T19:47:00.000+01:00

Ryanair disputes retired pilot inquiry

Ryanair has brought a High Court challenge to a decision of the Equality Tribunal to proceed with an investigation into a complaint by a pilot that his alleged forced retirement at the age of 60 amounted to age discrimination.

Raunchy Ryanair ads a no-no, says ASA

2012-02-14T19:46:00.001+01:00

Raunchy Ryanair ads a no-no, says ASA

Budget airline Ryanair has been rapped by a watchdog for a sexist advertising campaign after thousands complained it objectified women and undermined cabin crew's safety role.

Ryanair loses low-cost crown as families find cheaper flights

2012-02-13T19:22:00.004+01:00

Ryanair loses low-cost crown as families find cheaper flights

Ryanair is no longer the low-cost airline for those taking summer holidays. Significant baggage charges during peak times with Ryanair have often made it cheaper to fly with more mainstream airlines.

Ryanair challenges inquiry decision

2012-02-13T19:21:00.000+01:00

Ryanair challenges inquiry decision

Ryanair has brought a High Court challenge to a decision of the Equality Tribunal to proceed with an investigation. The tribunal investigation relates to a complaint by a pilot that his alleged forced retirement at the age of 60 amounted to age discrimination.

EasyJet battle heats up as SLI backs airline’s board over remuneration

2012-02-13T19:08:00.001+01:00

EasyJet battle heats up as SLI backs airline’s board over remuneration

Standard Life Investments (SLI) has gone public with its backing of the EasyJet board in their remuneration battle with the budget airline’s founder and leading shareholder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

EasyJet turns away Belfast schoolgirl who lost boarding card

2012-02-13T19:07:00.001+01:00

EasyJet turns away Belfast schoolgirl who lost boarding card

A 14-year-old Belfast schoolgirl has been prevented from flying home by easyJet after losing her boarding card.

Flight cancellations due to Iberia strike

2012-02-10T19:13:00.004+01:00

Flight cancellations due to Iberia strike

Iberia has cancelled 127 flights between 12th and 14th February as pilots and cabin crew continue to protest over the terms imposed upon staff as a result of the formation of low cost subsidiary Iberia Express. Pilots under the direction of their union Sepla, are in their eighth day of strikes and the first of a new series that includes five-day strikes to take place every Monday and Friday until 29th February.

Ryanair and passenger go to EU court over volcanic ash cloud compensation claim

2012-02-10T19:12:00.004+01:00

Ryanair and passenger go to EU court over volcanic ash cloud compensation claim

A test case involving Ryanair has been heard in a European court, the outcome of which could change the rules regarding compensation when an airline cancels a flight.

Ryanair declares war on Wizz Air in Budapest

2012-02-09T19:32:00.003+01:00

Ryanair declares war on Wizz Air in Budapest

Every obstacle has been cleared from Ryanair to open its Budapest base, Michael O’Leary, CEO of the Irish low-cost airline told a press conference on Thursday. The carrier reached an agreement with Budapest Airport, the operator of the Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which lost its biggest revenue-maker Malév last week when the national airline collapsed. Ryanair will launch flights from the Hungarian capital city next week. The airline will receive state support but neither its size or conditions have been disclosed by the Irish carrier or local authorities.

Ryanair CEO Mocks Defunct Competitor's Laid-Off Workers

2012-02-09T19:32:00.000+01:00

Ryanair CEO Mocks Defunct Competitor's Laid-Off Workers

Getting laid off is one thing. But getting mocked by the head of another rival after it? That's even worse.

EasyJet management receives boost

2012-02-09T19:31:00.000+01:00

EasyJet management receives boost

EasyJet’s management received a boost on Wednesday when two influential investor advisory groups signalled support for the airline’s board ahead of what had been shaping up to be a contentious shareholder vote on pay this month.

EasyJet to Test Electric Plane-Taxiing Gear to Reduce Fuel Burn

2012-02-09T19:26:00.003+01:00

EasyJet to Test Electric Plane-Taxiing Gear to Reduce Fuel Burn

EasyJet Plc (EZJ), Europe’s second-biggest discount airline, plans to test an electric taxiing system next year that is intended to save fuel.

Investors urged to reject EasyJet’s pay plans

2012-02-09T19:25:00.000+01:00

Investors urged to reject EasyJet’s pay plans

Pressure is mounting on EasyJet over its executive bonus scheme after a US shareholder adviser urged investors to reject the budget airline’s pay report.

Ryanair's Michael O'Leary clashes with angry workers from Spanair

2012-02-08T16:27:00.000+01:00

Ryanair's Michael O'Leary clashes with angry workers from Spanair

The Spanair workers, that were protesting Spanair's "decision to cease operations", felt insulted by some of gestures of Michael O'Leary. He had to be protected by the police.

Ryanair vs Budapest: playing dirty?

2012-02-08T16:26:00.000+01:00

Ryanair vs Budapest: playing dirty?

The battle to acquire airline passengers from Budapest in the wake of last week’s demise of Malev, the former flag carrier, took a strange turn on Tuesday, when the airport and low-cost airline Ryanair clashed over the availability of flight slots.

Malév Is Dead, Long Live Low Cost Carriers?

2012-02-08T16:21:00.002+01:00

Malév Is Dead, Long Live Low Cost Carriers?

The predictable passing of Malév triggered rapid expansion announcements from both Ryanair and Wizz Air. SmartWings, Air Berlin and others have added flights, with more low cost carriers positioned to pounce. All good for budget travelers as prices are driven down via increased competition. More consumer choice is usually good, but given the economic climate will it be a no frills future for the Hungarian airline market?

Decision due in Ryanair case

2012-02-07T18:30:00.000+01:00

Decision due in Ryanair case

The European Union's Court of Justice will this week decide on a landmark case involving Ryanair and passenger compensation rights. The case could have major implications for the European aviation sector if airspace is closed in future due to natural events such as volcanic eruptions.

Downturn catches up with easyJet

2012-02-07T18:26:00.004+01:00

Downturn catches up with easyJet

EasyJet has suffered its first decline in passenger numbers since flights were disrupted by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud in April 2010.

Air Berlin Jan passenger count drops 11.3 pct

2012-02-07T18:23:00.004+01:00

Air Berlin Jan passenger count drops 11.3 pct

Air Berlin, the German airline partly owned by Gulf carrier Etihad, saw January passenger numbers decline 11.3 percent as it cut the number of flights.

EasyJet January Passenger Nos Down - Update

2012-02-06T16:12:00.004+01:00

EasyJet January Passenger Nos Down - Update

Low-cost airline easyJet Plc on Monday said total number of passengers for the month of January edged down from last year, while its load factor - a capacity utilization measure - increased.

British Airways, Ryanair, Cancel Flights After 4 Inches of Snow Hit London

2012-02-06T16:10:00.000+01:00

British Airways, Ryanair, Cancel Flights After 4 Inches of Snow Hit London

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA’s British Airways unit and Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYA) were among airlines cutting hundreds of flights from London after snow blanketed the capital.

EU court to rule on passenger case against Ryanair

2012-02-06T15:40:00.000+01:00

EU court to rule on passenger case against Ryanair

EasyJet offers Malev 'rescue' fare

2012-02-03T19:06:00.003+01:00

EasyJet offers Malev 'rescue' fare

EasyJet has joined Wizz Air by stepping with a rescue package for passengers affected by Malev suspending its flights.

Ryanair plans to sue Aer Lingus

2012-02-03T19:06:00.001+01:00

Ryanair plans to sue Aer Lingus

Ryanair said it plans to take action against Aer Lingus to stop the airline making additional contributions to its pension scheme without shareholder approval.

Ryanair to open 26 Hungary routes after Malev grounded

2012-02-03T19:05:00.001+01:00

Ryanair to open 26 Hungary routes after Malev grounded

Irish low-cost airline Ryanair announced 26 new routes from Budapest on Friday in a move to capitalise on the grounding of Hungarian airline Malev over unpaid debts.

Vueling to fill Spanair void

2012-02-02T18:27:00.003+01:00

Vueling to fill Spanair void

Vueling is to fill the void left by the collapse of Spanish rival Spanair by raising summer capacity by a quarter.

EasyJet’s Stelios Spat Intensifies Before Shareholder Meeting

2012-02-02T18:27:00.001+01:00

EasyJet’s Stelios Spat Intensifies Before Shareholder Meeting

EasyJet Plc (EZJ)’s public spat with founder Stelios Haji Ioannou intensified after Chairman Michael Rake rejected claims that too much is being spent on planes and the investor labelled the carrier’s cost calculations “phoney.”

EasyJet to make fleet decision by year-end

2012-02-02T18:25:00.001+01:00

EasyJet to make fleet decision by year-end

EasyJet will make a decision on its fleet strategy by the end of the year, according to its head of fleet and central procurement Chris Essex. Explaining the low-cost carrier's plans at its investor day on 31 January, Essex said EasyJet is "actively evaluating the re-engined Airbus Neo and Boeing 737 Max as well as the Bombardier CSeries".

Ryanair Call Sale of Stansted After Ruling

2012-02-02T18:24:00.001+01:00

Ryanair Call Sale of Stansted After Ruling

Budget airline Ryanair has called on the British Airport Authority (BAA) to sell of Stansted Airport after a ruling by the Competition Commission was upheld.

Spain’s Vueling Interested in Hungarian Malev, Nepszabadsag Says

2012-01-31T20:03:00.001+01:00

Spain’s Vueling Interested in Hungarian Malev, Nepszabadsag Says

Spain’s Vueling (VLG) Airlines SA may buy a stake in Malev Zrt. (MALEV), Hungary’s unprofitable state-owned carrier, Nepszabadsag reported today, without saying how it obtained the information.

Vueling poised to take over domestic and European traffic after Spanair demise

2012-01-31T20:01:00.001+01:00

Vueling poised to take over domestic and European traffic after Spanair demise

Vueling, Spain’s new-generation airline, is set to capture a significant part of the domestic and European traffic affected by the demise of Spanair, which suspended flights on Saturday, January 28. As a result, Vueling’s Summer 2012 programme will offer as much as a 50% increase in capacity over 2011 from its home base in Barcelona, and a 25% growth overall.

EasyJet to offer online corporate payment

2012-01-31T20:00:00.001+01:00

EasyJet to offer online corporate payment

EasyJet is poised to unveil a deal to allow online billing and settlement of corporate bookings in a fresh move to attract higher-paying business travellers.

EasyJet rejects 'gravy train' claim

2012-01-31T19:58:00.001+01:00

EasyJet rejects 'gravy train' claim

The ongoing feud between easyJet and its founder has rumbled on with the airline's chairman denying its directors are riding the "gravy train".

EasyJet and Ryanair step into help stranded Spanair passengers

2012-01-31T19:57:00.001+01:00

EasyJet and Ryanair step into help stranded Spanair passengers

About 22,000 passengers with bookings on some 220 flights have been left stranded after Spanish airline Spanair folded.

RYANAIR IN FARES WARNING

2012-01-31T19:56:00.001+01:00

RYANAIR IN FARES WARNING.

Budget, airline Ryanair yesterday warned of further fare increases in the face of a soaring fuel bills, even though profits took off over the past three months.

Ryanair holds course as slowdown boosts profits

2012-01-31T19:54:00.001+01:00

Ryanair holds course as slowdown boosts profits

Analysts had expected a modest loss in the group's third-quarter numbers – instead, the low-cost carrier posted a net profit of €15m, (£12.5m) compared with a loss of €10m in the equivalent period of last year. Revenues increased by 13pc to €844m as traffic fell 2pc and average fares rose 17pc.

Sir Stelios ups ante over EasyJet pay plans

2012-01-30T19:32:00.001+01:00

Sir Stelios ups ante over EasyJet pay plans

Stelios Haji-Ioannou, EasyJet’s founder, has stepped up his battle with the budget airline’s management, aligning his campaign to vote down directors’ pay proposals with the broader UK debate over excessive executive pay.

Ryanair Lifts Profit Goal as Winter Capacity Cuts Buoy Fares

2012-01-30T19:30:00.001+01:00

Ryanair Lifts Profit Goal as Winter Capacity Cuts Buoy Fares

Ryanair Holdings Plc raised its full-year profit forecast after winter capacity cuts helped reduce costs and boost fares.

Ryanair fares surge after planes grounded

2012-01-30T19:29:00.001+01:00

Ryanair fares surge after planes grounded

Fares at Ryanair increased by 17pc in the final quarter of 2011 as the low-cost airline increased revenues despite grounding a third of its fleet.

Pourquoi easyJet voit l'avenir en rose

2012-01-27T19:25:00.001+01:00

Pourquoi easyJet voit l'avenir en rose

Interview : La compagnie aérienne low cost vient d'annoncer des résultats en forte hausse. Caroline McCall, P-DG d'easyJet, revient pour Challenges.fr son bilan et sur ses objectifs en France.

Easyjet: hausse du revenu par siège de 7,7%fin 2011

2012-01-27T19:24:00.001+01:00

Easyjet: hausse du revenu par siège de 7,7%fin 2011

La compagnie aérienne Easyjet a vu son revenu par siège augmenter de 7,7% au cours du premier trimestre de son exercice fiscal 2012 ( 1er octobre au 31 décembre 2011).

Stelios blasts easyJet's bonus 'gravy train'

2012-01-27T19:19:00.001+01:00

Stelios blasts easyJet's bonus 'gravy train'

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has accused easyJet of crafting bonuses with "phoney calculations", as he warned in an extraordinary tirade that the "gravy train has gone wild" at the airline he founded 17 years ago.

Belfast City Airport was on brink of closure after Ryanair exit

2012-01-27T19:18:00.001+01:00

Belfast City Airport was on brink of closure after Ryanair exit

Ryanair's decision to withdraw from Northern Ireland nearly sounded the death-knell for George Best Belfast City Airport and 1,500 jobs, its boss has said.

Airline will be Hungary for jobs after expansion

2012-01-27T19:17:00.001+01:00

Airline will be Hungary for jobs after expansion

New low-cost flights linking Budapest with Stansted will be introduced in the spring. Ryanair have announced they will open up a route between Stansted and the Hungarian capital from March 25, while the central European airport will also be linked with Birmingham, Bristol, Bologna and Dublin.

EasyJet pushes for business travellers

2012-01-26T19:38:00.001+01:00

EasyJet pushes for business travellers

Rising baggage charges and weakening competition helped EasyJet push up revenues per seat by 8 per cent in the three months to December, buoying investor confidence.

easyJet in business travel focus

2012-01-25T19:02:00.001+01:00

easyJet in business travel focus

easyJet has signed a pan European commercial agreement with American Express Global Business Travel. The new deal means that easyJet will be working with American Express as one of its first Travel Management Company partners.

Norwegian Carrier Buys 222 Boeing, Airbus Planes

2012-01-25T19:01:00.001+01:00

Norwegian Carrier Buys 222 Boeing, Airbus Planes

Budget carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA on Wednesday said it has ordered 222 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus in separate deals with a combined worth of $127 billion in list prices.

Air Malta facing increasing competition from Ryanair; passenger numbers down 4% in 2011 on 12 Airbus fleet

2012-01-25T19:00:00.001+01:00

Air Malta facing increasing competition from Ryanair; passenger numbers down 4% in 2011 on 12 Airbus fleet

Air Malta, the national airline of the Mediterranean island of Malta, operates a fleet of 12 narrowbody Airbus aircraft; seven A320s and five A319s. In recent years, the airline has transported between 1.6 and 1.7 million passengers per annum, with passenger numbers in 2011 expected to be down around 4%. The airline has had to face growing competition since the summer of 2010 from Ryanair, which made the airport its 41st base in May of that year and will this summer serve 28 destinations from the airport.

Vueling grows its low cost Barcelona hub role as Iberia Express focusses on Madrid premium traffic

2012-01-23T18:36:00.001+01:00

Vueling grows its low cost Barcelona hub role as Iberia Express focusses on Madrid premium traffic

Vueling's growth this year, the largest since its merger with rival Clickair in 2009, underscores the airline's role as a cost-effective hub carrier with connecting flights at Barcelona's El Prat Airport, a status Iberia concluded it could not achieve in Barcelona, largely pulling out of the market in favour of specially-formed LCC Clickair. After the Clickair-Vueling merger, Iberia retained part ownership (46%, now controlled by Iberia parent International Consolidated Airline Group) while the merged carrier continued its focus on Barcelona. The partnership appears to be working well for both Iberia and Vueling.

Italian ADUC. Ryanair condemned by Italian judge for the first time

2012-01-23T18:29:00.001+01:00

Italian ADUC. Ryanair condemned by Italian judge for the first time

We receive and publish, giving the same space to eventual replies: "For the first time Ryanair has been condemned by an Italian judge with a decision immediately executable in Ireland. This has been possible thanks to a new European procedure for the causes of modest entity (REG. EC 861/2007), through it the citizen can obtain a valid ruling in another State of the EU without to have to follow the heavy bureaucratic procedure of translation and adoption. Not only: such procedure doesn't predict the need to be assisted by a lawyer, and to active is necessary only to fill a form instead of the difficult arraignment. Then a simply and rapid procedure for all, especially if compared to that ordinary predicted by the Italian code of procedure.

Sir Stelios set to oppose easyJet chiefs' pay

2012-01-23T18:27:00.001+01:00

Sir Stelios set to oppose easyJet chiefs' pay

EasyJet founder and largest shareholder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is to vote against the airline's remuneration report at its AGM. He has long opposed the pay packages of the board's top executives.

Easyjet expands corporate reach with FCm

2012-01-23T18:25:00.001+01:00

Easyjet expands corporate reach with FCm

Hoping to increase bookings, Easyjet has signed a corporate deal with FCm Travel Solutions to allow fare bookings via GDSs and online. Signed earlier this month, the agreement comes after a six month trial, ABTN reported.

Vueling announces biggest investment at El Prat since merger with clickair

2012-01-20T15:21:00.003+01:00

Vueling announces biggest investment at El Prat since merger with clickair

Vueling has announced an investment of 325 million euros with the addition of five new aircraft to its fleet – four Airbus A320s and one Airbus A319. This represents the biggest investment by Vueling at the Catalan Airport since its merger with clickair in 2009.

Exclusive: Stelios Stokes EasyJet War With Cameron Letter

2012-01-20T15:21:00.001+01:00

Exclusive: Stelios Stokes EasyJet War With Cameron Letter

The aviation tycoon Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has waded into the political debate about moral capitalism by firing a new broadside at the board of easyJet, the airline he founded in 1995. I can reveal that Stelios today wrote to David Cameron to register his support for a new approach to boardroom pay that would involve requiring prior approval from at least 75 per cent of shareholders in public companies for discretionary bonus payments.

Ryanair boasts booming passenger figures, new planes and new routes

2012-01-20T15:20:00.001+01:00

Ryanair boasts booming passenger figures, new planes and new routes

Irish low-cost airline Ryanair has announced the launch of five new routes from Faro airport, to and from where it carried more than 1.5 million passengers in 2011.

New charges for easyJet

2012-01-20T12:50:00.001+01:00

New charges for easyJet

Rebellious Ryanair have already side tracked the proposed abolition of credit and debit card surcharge by claiming the costs as an ‘administration fee’. But now EasyJet one of the Island’s operators have jumped on the same band wagon.

Ryanair Snubs Ireland Over Tax

2012-01-19T18:34:00.001+01:00

Ryanair Snubs Ireland Over Tax

Irish airline Ryanair is to create 1,000 new jobs but not in Ireland, with the country's tax regime thought to be to blame. The budget airline's fleet is to expand from 270 to 305 aircraft. As a result, the company will create 1,000 new jobs in 2012 for pilots, cabin crew, engineers and sales/marketing people. The jobs will, however, controversially be based in mainland Europe, rather than Ireland where the airline has its headquarters.

German Cartel Office Approves Etihad Taking Stake In Air Berlin

2012-01-19T18:16:00.001+01:00

German Cartel Office Approves Etihad Taking Stake In Air Berlin

Germany's Cartel Office has approved plans for Etihad Airways to raise its stake in Air Berlin PLC by 26.2%, a spokesman for the anti-trust authority told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.

Ryanair boost to create 1,000 jobs

2012-01-17T18:46:00.001+01:00

Ryanair boost to create 1,000 jobs

Low-cost airline Ryanair is to create more than 1,000 jobs this year as it expands its fleet and bases around Europe. The operator said it would be hiring pilots, cabin crew engineers and sales and marketing staff as it increases its number of aircraft to 305 from 270 in a move which will boost its 8,000-strong workforce by nearly 10%.

EasyJet throws disabled businessman off flight as he cannot walk to emergency exit

2012-01-17T18:43:00.001+01:00

EasyJet throws disabled businessman off flight as he cannot walk to emergency exit

A disabled businessman has been thrown off a budget flight – because he could not walk to the emergency exit. EasyJet staff told Dr Martin Sabry, 39, who is paralysed from the chest down, that he could not travel on his own. He said ground control told him he could board the plane, but the captain over-ruled the decision and he was told all single passengers must be able to reach the exit.

Just plane wrong: Easyjet fined £60,000 by French court for barring disabled passengers from flying

2012-01-13T19:17:00.001+01:00

Just plane wrong: Easyjet fined £60,000 by French court for barring disabled passengers from flying

Budget airline Easyjet has been fined £60,000 by a Paris court for barring three disabled passengers from flights. The company claimed that the disabled passengers would pose a 'safety risk' in the air while the no-frills carrier was criticised for putting 'profits before principles.'

EasyJet booking fee changed to admin fee

2012-01-12T19:08:00.001+01:00

EasyJet booking fee changed to admin fee

EasyJet has replaced its booking fee with a £9 administration charge from today (Thursday).

Ryanair adds 25p green tax levy

2012-01-12T19:07:00.001+01:00

Ryanair adds 25p green tax levy

No-frills airline Ryanair is to add 25p to all bookings from next week to cover the cost of the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) green tax scheme. Ryanair, which will bring in the levy from Tuesday January 17, described ETS as an "eco-looney tax".

Ryanair sets up Paphos hub

2012-01-11T19:24:00.001+01:00

Ryanair sets up Paphos hub

Ryanair yesterday announced it would base two aircraft at Paphos, offering 80 flights a week to 14 new destinations as of April by investing nearly €110 million to bring in 600,000 passengers a year and provide 600 jobs.

EasyJet answers regulators with upfront admin fee, scraps free Visa Electron payments

2012-01-11T19:23:00.001+01:00

EasyJet answers regulators with upfront admin fee, scraps free Visa Electron payments

The airline will display the £9 flat fee levied per booking, regardless of number of passengers or flights, upfront in the first stage of the booking process in response to repeated calls from the Office of Fair Trading in the UK and other European regulatory bodies over transparent pricing.

easyJet Israel passenger traffic up 55%

2012-01-11T19:21:00.001+01:00

easyJet Israel passenger traffic up 55%

easyJet plc carried 225,000 passengers on its Israeli-Europe routes in 2011, 55% more than in 2010. Part of the reason was the inauguration of its second Israeli route, between Basel and Tel Aviv, in December 2010, and the subsequent increase of flights from three to four per week.

Ryanair to cover carbon scheme at 0.25 euro per seat

2012-01-10T10:52:00.001+01:00

Ryanair to cover carbon scheme at 0.25 euro per seat

Ryanair will introduce a 25 euro cents levy on every seat booked from next week to cover the expected 18-20 million euro cost for carbon permits it needs this year under a new European Union emissions trading scheme.

Ryanair flight diverted to Newcastle over sick captain

2012-01-10T10:51:00.001+01:00

Ryanair flight diverted to Newcastle over sick captain

A passenger flight was diverted to Newcastle Airport after the captain became ill. The Ryanair flight had taken off from Liverpool and was travelling to Oslo on Sunday night. Ryanair said the first officer landed the plane and a stand-by captain was called to operate the flight after a two-and-a-half hour delay.

Ryanair traffic dips after fuel cost grounds planes

2012-01-09T12:38:00.003+01:00

Ryanair traffic dips after fuel cost grounds planes

Ryanair suffered a five per cent drop in passenger numbers in December compared to last year, after it grounded up to 80 aircraft to offset higher fuel costs. But the low-cost carrier’s annual traffic has risen 5.1 per cent to 76.4m in spite of the bigger-than-usual stoppages.

Air fares still unchanged after EU imposes carbon charge

2012-01-09T12:38:00.001+01:00

Air fares still unchanged after EU imposes carbon charge

Several major airlines serving Thailand-Europe flights are not in a rush to pass on extra charges to passengers to offset rising costs from a European Union carbon emissions scheme that kicked in on Jan 1. Bangkok-based executives of Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Air Berlin and Etihad, as well as Thai Airways International (THAI), said there have not been any instruction from their head offices so far to raise fares

Aer Lingus passenger numbers rise

2012-01-09T12:36:00.003+01:00

Aer Lingus passenger numbers rise

Passenger numbers at Aer Lingus increased by 13 per cent last month, compared to December 2010, according to traffic statistic published this morning. However, the sharp increase reflects a particularly poor December 2010, when weather conditions led to customers holding multiple bookings, thus affecting the passenger numbers.

EasyJet Dec. Passengers Rise; Load Factor Down

2012-01-09T12:36:00.001+01:00

EasyJet Dec. Passengers Rise; Load Factor Down

Low-cost airline easyJet Plc on Friday said total number of earned seats flown for the month of December climbed from last year, while capacity utilization edged down. Load factor, a capacity utilization measure, declined 0.2 percentage points to 85.6 percent from 85.8 percent last year.

RyanAir CEO Slams EU at EU Innovation Summit

2011-12-20T19:00:00.001+01:00

RyanAir CEO Slams EU at EU Innovation Summit

Politicians and bureaucrats in the European Union were treated to a verbal lashing for their cronyism and anti-entrepreneurism by Michael O'Leary, CEO of airline RyanAir, at a conference held by the EU on "innovation."

easyJet increases capacity to become UK's largest ski airline

2011-12-20T18:59:00.001+01:00

easyJet increases capacity to become UK's largest ski airline

easyJet has announced increased capacity on five of its most popular ski routes making it the UK's largest ski airline. This season the airline is offering more than one million seats to ski destinations - a four percent increase on last season - to ensure that winter thrill seekers can secure affordable flights to the widest range of ski resorts.

Norwegian Discount Airline in It for the Long Haul

2011-12-19T15:31:00.001+01:00

Norwegian Discount Airline in It for the Long Haul

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA aims to become the first European discount carrier to launch long-haul operations, with flights to New York and Bangkok scheduled to start in early 2013, the company's chief executive said Friday. In the same way that low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, EasyJet and Norwegian, have put other airlines under pressure within Europe "we're going to see the same shift in long haul," CEO Bjoern Kjos, a former fighter pilot, told The Associated Press in an interview.

EasyJet CEO says no hit from euro zone crisis-paper

2011-12-19T15:29:00.001+01:00

EasyJet CEO says no hit from euro zone crisis-paper

British low-cost airline easyJet has felt no impact on its business from the ongoing debt crisis in the euro zone, its chief executive told a German newspaper.

Iberia Cancels 32% Of Flights On 1st Day Of Pilots' Strike

2011-12-19T15:28:00.001+01:00

Iberia Cancels 32% Of Flights On 1st Day Of Pilots' Strike

Spanish flagship airline Iberia said Sunday it has had to cancel 91 flights, or 32% of those planned for the first of two days that the carrier's pilots plan to strike to protest its launch of a new low-cost airline. Iberia, owned by International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG.LN), said that its first flights of the day departed on time and said it has been able to book about 80% of affected passengers on other flights with Iberia or other airlines.

Vueling Parodies Great Aviation Moments in Movie History

2011-12-16T17:47:00.001+01:00

Vueling Parodies Great Aviation Moments in Movie History

We don't talk about the Spanish carrier Vueling, but then sometimes no news is good news. The exception is when an airline pulls a stunt that pokes fun at themselves or the industry, as Vueling has just done with their crew Christmas video.

How to fool Ryanair baggage controls - with an oversized coat...

2011-12-16T17:44:00.001+01:00

How to fool Ryanair baggage controls - with an oversized coat...

Although I do try very hard, I find it almost impossible to have much affection for Ryanair. Just when you think you might be developing a small amount of love for them, like some ever-philandering partner they immediately let you down.

Ryanair advert causes controversy as online petition tries to get it banned

2011-12-15T13:03:00.001+01:00

Ryanair advert causes controversy as online petition tries to get it banned

A campaign calling for a Ryanair advert showing a scantily clad woman to be banned has been backed by more than 5,000 people online.

Ryanair cuts Alicante summer 2012 schedule by up to 50%

2011-12-15T13:00:00.001+01:00

Ryanair cuts Alicante summer 2012 schedule by up to 50%

Ryanair announced a 50% cutback in its summer 2012 schedule at Alicante, which follows a 50% cut in Ryanair’s winter 2011/12 services. During November, the first month of these cutbacks, Ryanair estimated that Alicante’s seat capacity has fallen 50% from its October figure, and its traffic is down 12% on Nov 2010.

'Sexist' Ryanair ad faces inquiry

2011-12-14T10:05:00.001+01:00

'Sexist' Ryanair ad faces inquiry

The advertising watchdog is to launch an investigation into an ad campaign by Ryanair featuring a scantily-clad flight attendant after complaints that it made it cabin crew look like "glamour models".

Ryanair's new fees: €1 for your ticket, €5 for your sandwich – €100 for your bag

2011-12-14T10:03:00.001+01:00

Ryanair's new fees: €1 for your ticket, €5 for your sandwich – €100 for your bag

Passengers planning to fly Ryanair next summer, beware: charges on Europe's biggest budget airline will soar in 2012. Checked-in bag fees paid in advance increase by two-thirds, while travellers checking in a bag at the airport without booking ahead face a fee of €100 – up 150 per cent.

Ryanair halves Alicante services over airbridge dispute

2011-12-14T10:00:00.001+01:00

Ryanair halves Alicante services over airbridge dispute

Ryanair has cuts its Alicante services by 50% for next year blaming the airport for forcing it to use ‘unnecessary’ airbridges. The airline, which claims the airbridges cost it 2million euros a year in fees, has appealed to the Spanish Commercial courts over the charges which is due to be heard in early February.

Which? names Thomas Cook worst short-haul airline

2011-12-14T09:59:00.001+01:00

Which? names Thomas Cook worst short-haul airline

Thomas Cook Airlines has been rated as the worst short-haul airline in research conducted by consumer body Which?. Ryanair came in second bottom in the rankings released today which sees Swiss International Airlines take top slot.

Guide dog row for easyJet

2011-12-14T09:58:00.001+01:00

Guide dog row for easyJet

Budget airline easyJet refused passage to blind Joanna Jones, 34, because they didn't believe her six-year-old part-labrador was a guide dog.

Iberia signs deal to offset strike impact

2011-12-14T09:56:00.001+01:00

Iberia signs deal to offset strike impact

Spain's Iberia, run by International Airlines Group , said it had reached agreement with 30 transport companies to offer travel alternatives for passengers who may be affected by strike action this month.

Air Berlin to keep turning cost-cut screw

2011-12-14T09:55:00.001+01:00

Air Berlin to keep turning cost-cut screw

German loss-making airline Air Berlin aims to trim costs by up to 250 million euros per year, a German magazine reported, which would be one fourth above its official savings target for 2012 of 200 million euros.

7,000 call for ban on 'sexist' Ryanair advert which shows scantily-clad crew

2011-12-13T16:31:00.001+01:00

7,000 call for ban on 'sexist' Ryanair advert which shows scantily-clad crew

More than 7,000 people have called for a Ryanair advert which shows a scantily-clad member of cabin crew to be banned because it is 'sexist'. The online campaign against the poster, which is captioned 'Red Hot Fares & Crew' is being led by a flight attendant called Ghada.

Ryanair announces new Palma base

2011-12-13T16:30:00.001+01:00

Ryanair announces new Palma base

Ryanair has announced the opening of its 49th European base at Palma airport in Majorca. It will open in March next year with four aircraft based at the airport operating 47 routes, 17 of which are new.

easyJet refuses to let blind woman on board with guide dog

2011-12-13T16:28:00.001+01:00

easyJet refuses to let blind woman on board with guide dog

For 12 years, Joanna Jones has flown with easyJet alongside her guide dog Orla without incident. But she was left disappointed and angry after the airline refused to allow her to take her canine helper aboard on Sunday.