Ryanair hits back at agents over Costa tie-up
Ryanair has hit back at agents who have criticised the airline over its tie-up with Costa Cruises.
The low-cost airline said it refutes the “ill-informed and biased comments” made by agents about the deal.
In a response sent to Travelmole, Ryanair stated: “These travel agents ignore the following facts, (which are as per AEA published stats), which prove that Ryanair is Europe’s most punctual airline, completes more scheduled flights than any other airline and misplaces fewer bags that any other major European scheduled airline.
It said:
– 88% of Ryanair’s flights arrive on time, while just 72% of British Airways flights arrive on time.
– 99.5% of Ryanair flights operate, compared to just 96% of British Airways flights.
– Ryanair misplaces just 0.5 bags per 1,000 passengers, while British Airway carelessly loses 19 bags per 1,000 passengers.
The statement added: “In response to Jeremy Scott’s question “Why would anybody want to be associated with Ryanair?” the answer is simple – Ryanair will carry 67 million passengers this year, Ryanair is the only major European airline to continue to grow during this recession, Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and can make even cruise holidays affordable.
“Travel agents such as Jeremy are simply smarting that Ryanair does not deal with travel agents; if we did you can be sure such agents would be queuing up to be associated with Ryanair.
“In response to the question “What does it tell first time cruisers about the quality of Costa?”. Simple – it tells them they can now take advantage of a quality cruise holiday and Europe’s guaranteed lowest airfares to a greater choice of destinations while at the same time flying with Europe’s most punctual airline.
“In relation to comments about baggage, all Ryanair passengers can avail of Ryanair’s generous FREE 10KG baggage allowance and can opt to purchase an additional 15KG of hold baggage for just £9.50 (one way, £19 return). This combined 25KG allowance per passenger will more than accommodate the needs of cruise passengers who will have no requirement to “pack light” as suggested.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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