I still can't see the takeover happening, but on the assumption that it does...
It could be looked at as an opportunity as much as a threat. Cork would have more based aircraft than Shannon and becomes a bigger priority for Ryanair. It would be challenging for the airport nonetheless.
As for other points made. The only possibilities I can see for European flag carriers are SN Brussels restarting Brussels and Lufthansa to Frankfurt. Cork doesn't feature for others. Admittedly, if Ryanair really started acting the bollocks and withdrew from Amsterdam after a takeover, KLM would be onto the route like a shot, but would serve it more frequently with smaller aircraft.
A more practical option is to woo Air Berlin.
Transatlantic? Leaving aside any takeover, EI won't look at it until someone else does. A parallel taxiway would probably be required first too.
Last edited by 840; 6th Oct 2006 at 08:52.