Jet2 and Flybe slam Ryanair
Thursday, 5 June 2008 12:00 AM
Airport passenger with luggage
Jet2 and Flybe have hit back at derogatory comments by Ryanair's Michael O'Leary.
The budget airline's controversial chief executive claimed earlier this week that only Ryanair, Easyjet, BA, Air France and Lufthansa will make a profit or break even this year.
"I hope oil prices stay high over the winter because we will get rid of a lot of crappy competitors," he said.
A statement from Flybe dismissed Mr O'Leary's claims as "rantings" and an "attempt to deflect attention from his own results by making unsubstantiated accusations about other issues".
Jet2 chief executive Philip Meeson said it will not be their planes that are grounded as "unlike [Ryanair], Jet2.com has bought all its fuel for this summer, this coming winter and next summer at attractive rates".
"Our passengers can rely upon us for many, many years to come," he claimed.
Ryanair has admitted it will only break even if the cost of jet fuel remains at current levels.
