Ryanair chief executive Mr Michael O’Leary today repeated his opposition to government aid for the ailing airline industry following the terrorist attacks in the US.
Addressing shareholders at the company's AGM today, Mr O’Leary said a number of European flag carriers were using the tragic events in the US as an excuse upon which to blame their long-standing cost problems and an opportunity to look for subsidies and hand outs.
"Contrary to the 'spin' of a number of flag carriers, the world as we know it is not about to end, and despite the efforts of the terrorists, normal life continues with many millions of people travelling for normal leisure and business purposes", Mr O’Leary said.
"During the past two weeks, the airline industry has gone through considerable turmoil. This is a time for cool heads and common sense," he said.
Mr O’Leary said if the EU Commission or EU governments really wanted to help the airline industry they should focus on measures that reduce airlines costs such as landing charges at many government-owned airports.
"In the aftermath of the atrocities in the US two weeks ago, Irish tourism and the Irish economy are facing a real threat of collapse in 2002," Mr O’Leary said.
"If the Government acts quickly to develop and grow low-fare services between Ireland, the UK and continental Europe then I believe that we can make good any shortfall in transatlantic visitors next year".
He said Ryanair had cut its fares in the wake of the terrorist attacks and as a result Ryanair's bookings have been largely unaffected by the recent events in the US.