06 February 2009

Aer Lingus shrugs off EasyJet Gatwick attack

Aer Lingus has described EasyJet’s move to compete on three routes being set up by the Irish carrier from Gatwick as a "panic" reaction.

Corporate affairs director Enda Corneille said Aer Lingus had big plans for Gatwick in addition to the network of new European routes being established from April.

Responding to EasyJet’s move to go head-to-head on three of its new routes (see previous TravelMole story), he said: "This is clearly a sign of panic from Easyjet, which is obviously rattled by the Aer Lingus announcement of new European services from Gatwick commencing on April 6.

"EasyJet have been asleep at the wheel in the own backyard for some time now and their rushed announcement today is just what you'd expect from a carrier that’s grown complacent over time."

Corneille added: "We welcome the competition because at the end of the day our customers will be the winners. They'll be able to fly to Munich, Vienna and Zurich with Aer Lingus in the knowledge that they will get a better price at a far better departure time and enjoy a more superior onboard experience."

He revealed that 75,000 seats have already been sold on the new Gatwick network before the first flights depart Gatwick to Malaga in April.

"We've got big plans for Gatwick and, with further route announcements imminent; we would not be surprised to see more copy-cat activity from our competitors," added Corneille.

by Phil Davies