Rough landing for Ryanair on charges

No surprises then in the report on the options for the future of Aer Rianta. Pointedly no solace either for the plaintive chorus from low-fares carrier Ryanair.

While flotation in some form seems to be inevitable for the State airports operator, the downturn in duty-free income following the ending of intra-EU duty-free this July means it will have to look elsewhere to grow profits.

As of now, duty-free operations account for the bulk of the company's £42 million (€53.32 million) profits after tax. Selling of non-core assets is not likely to make up the shortfall, especially in the longer term.

That switches the spotlight to two areas in particular. The first is car parking. Charging realistic rates for short-term parking might at least ensure Aer Rianta's pick-up/drop-off customers have a chance of finding a space in any of its three short-term car parks at Dublin Airport, as well as improving revenue from this part of the operation.

However, even that will not promise salvation. Only a realistic approach to landing fees at its airports can hope to deliver a decent revenue stream. The current system of landing charge discounts has totally subverted the structure, and its disappearance must be welcomed. At least then the fees will be transparent.

Studies already undertaken are being cited in favour of a move to raise charges, to bring Aer Rianta operations up to the levels of their international rivals despite the arguments of Ryanair.

Wherever the truth lies, it is worth remembering that business is not worth winning at any price, even Irish business.