Ryanair has supported IAG’s intent to buy Vueling, arguing it mirrors its own attempts to merge with Aer Lingus.
The low cost airline has been dealt a blow with news that the EU is not happy with the ‘package of remedies’ it proposed to satisfy competition concerns, see previous story.
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But it claims the European Commission needs to follow the precedent it has set with other mergers.
Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara said:"The merger of IAG Iberia and Vueling is another logical merger of EU airlines operating in the same market and mirrors IAG/British Airways takeover of BMI in the UK earlier this year, Aegean’s offer for Olympic in Greece and Ryanair’s current offer for Aer Lingus in Ireland.
"As Europe’s flag carrier airlines continue to consolidate Ryanair believes that its offer for Aer Lingus should be approved by the EU Competition Authorities if they follow – fairly – the precedent set in the BA/BMI merger and last week’s takeover of Vueling in Spain by BA/IAG.
"These are all inevitable steps in the consolidation process of Europe’s high fares former flag carrier airlines."
He added that IAG’s announcement to cut jobs at Iberia demonstrates the need for restructuring and reform in the airline industry among former flag fliers like Aer Lingus who cannot survive as independent airlines.
