Ryanair Challenges

Ryanair Holdings PLC
03 January 2007



               Ryanair Challenges Illegal Labour Decree in France


Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline, today (Wednesday, 3rd January 2007)
announced that it has filed a legal action against the French Government
regarding an unlawful labour decree recently adopted in France. This decree is
contrary to the European free market for airline services and is a clear attempt
to protect Air France from competition.

Commenting today, Ryanair's Head of Regulatory Affairs and Company Secretary,
Jim Callaghan, said:

        'Ryanair has filed a legal action in the French Conseil d'Etat
        requesting it to overturn this unlawful and anticompetitive labour
        decree. The decree tries to force foreign airlines to apply French
        labour laws when they base aircraft in France. This is contrary to
        European laws on free movement of labour and services and the freedom of
        establishment and is also contrary to the liberalised air transport
        market.

        'This decree is clearly designed to discourage foreign airlines from
        establishing a base of operations in France in order to compete with the
        high fare monopoly, Air France.

        'Ryanair has also filed a complaint to the European Commission calling
        on them to overturn this unlawful labour decree' .


Ends. Wednesday, 3rd January 2007


For reference: 

Peter Sherrard - Ryanair                  Pauline McAlester - Murray Consultants
Tel: [phone]                      Tel: [phone]



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