A NEW price war between Aer Lingus and Ryanair should benefit the travelling public this summer. Both are cutting fares on their main routes.
Ryanair announced a "summer sale" from today with a £40 fare on all routes. Tickets must be bought before the close of business next Friday and must be used by August 31st.
The airline says the offer is in direct response to the announcement by Aer Lingus yesterday that it was reducing fares on nine routes to Britain by £50 to mark its 60th anniversary. It also announced fares of £109 on eight continental European routes as well as a fare of £299 on flights from Dublin and Shannon to New York.
The reduced fares operate midweek and tickets must be booked and paid for by next Saturday. Again, the tickets must be used by the end of August.
Ryanair's commercial director, Mr Tim Jeans, said his company was surprised at the Aer Lingus decision to reduce fares in the middle of the peak season. But he added: "Ryanair will not be beaten on price. Therefore we have introduced a £40 fare and, unlike Aer Lingus, Ryanair has less restrictions and more widespread availability."
The sales and marketing director of Aer Lingus, Mr David Bunworth, said: "For our part we are offering our customers the unique Aer Lingus brand of service at a fantastic price across our network for July and August. This is a combination that cannot be beaten."