18th Apr 2006 15:46
Ryanair Holdings PLC18 April 2006 RYANAIR GUARANTEES NO FUEL SURCHARGES AS BRITISH AIRWAYS GOUGES PASSENGERS FOR A 7TH TIME Ryanair, the world's favourite airline, today (Tuesday, 18th April 2006)criticised British Airways for again increasing fuel surcharges - for a record7th time - despite the fact that it has substantially hedged most of its fuelfor the remainder of 2006 at less than $60 a barrel. Ryanair continues to be theonly major airline in Britain which guarantees no fuel surcharges, today,tomorrow or ever. Oil prices can double again to $150 per barrel and Ryanairstill won't apply fuel surcharges. Criticising British Airways for its constant gouging of consumers, Ryanair'sChief Executive, Michael O'Leary said: "Yet again British Airways go for the soft option. This is the 7th separate fuel surcharge British Airways have introduced since May 2004. Over the past two years as oil prices have doubled from $35 to $70 a barrel, British Airways' fuel surcharges have increased fourteen fold from £2.50 per sector to £35 per sector. This is price gouging of consumers. "At £35 per sector, British Airways' fuel surcharge is greater than Ryanair's average fare (£28 per sector). Isn't it time that BA stopped gouging passengers and started reducing other costs instead? "Ryanair would be pleased to hear from the so called Air Transport Users Committee in the UK who have remained steadfastly silent, whilst British Airways have added 7 separate fuel surcharges to hard pressed consumers. Since this quango claims to represent air transport users, why does it continue to remain silent while British Airways levy 7 separate fuel surcharges?" For the record Ryanair guarantees no fuel surcharges, today, tomorrow or ever.Ryanair's average fare (£28) is now less than British Airways one way fuelsurcharge (£35). The message for British consumers and visitors couldn't beclearer. If you want to get there on-time, on brand new aircraft and be certainof no fuel surcharges fly Ryanair. If you want to pay 7 separate fuelsurcharges, on old aircraft and don't mind being late, fly BA. Ends. Tuesday, 18th April 2006 For reference: Lorna Farren - Ryanair Pauline McAlester - Murray Consultants Tel: +353-1-8121271 Tel: +353-1-4980300 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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