EU decision on Air Lingus - Deadline extended

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Ryanair News
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News Release --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22.02.07
Ryanair Statement

The European Commission is currently considering whether, on competition grounds, to permit Ryanair to acquire Aer Lingus.

The deadline for making a decision on the transaction was extended today by the European Commission, with the agreement of Ryanair, from 11 May 2007 to 13 June 2007.

Ryanair is confident, as it has been throughout the process, that this transaction will be cleared by the European Commission as it is a pro-competitive and pro-consumer deal, which will bring lower fares, greater efficiency, new aircraft and more choice for consumers around Europe. It will enable Ryanair to take on the traditional/national airlines, who continue to fleece European consumers with high fares and unjustified fuel surcharges.

Notes to Editors:

Under the Merger Control Regulation, the timetable "may be extended by the Commission with the agreement of the notifying" party for up to twenty working days. As is common in such cases, only Ryanair notified the transaction (Aer Lingus did not) so only Ryanair needed agree.

Ends. Thursday, 22nd February 2007

For reference: Peter Sherrard – Ryanair Pauline McAlester – Murray Consultants
Tel: +353-1-8121228 Tel: +353-1-4980300

The directors of Ryanair accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors of Ryanair (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement for which they accept responsibility is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.