As an Irish consumer, Ryanair's arrival to the market brought greater choice and price competition (although they do now tend to ward off new entrants).
But, I don't relish the prospect of FR taking over EI. Anyone here remember Buzz?
January 2003, The Daily Mail
Ryanair Chief Executive Micheal O'Leary said: 'The timing of this acquisition is opportunistic. Since Ryanair is growing strongly by rolling out our lowest fare services all over Europe, the last thing we need is the distraction of an acquisition. 'However, there are a number of features of buzz which makes this a favourable move at this time'. He described the deal as 'a bargain, if we can - as we expect - turn it around in one year'.
True low cost: Ryanair buy buzz for a 'bargain' £15m | Mail Online
February 2003, The Guardian
The budget airline Ryanair announced today it was axing 12 routes and cutting 400 jobs on its rival carrier Buzz, which it is taking over on April 1. Ryanair also confirmed that it was grounding all Buzz flights "for the month of April 2003, at least". The Irish low-cost airline added that a final decision would follow soon "on whether to restart [Buzz] flying on May 1, or close Buzz altogether".
Ryanair to cut Buzz routes and jobs | Travel | guardian.co.uk
March 2003, The Guardian
The future of Buzz was on a knife-edge last night, as many staff refused to meet a 6pm deadline to sign new contracts offered by Ryanair, which is buying the struggling low-cost airline for £15m. Ryanair's chairman, Michael O'Leary, has threatened to close the airline unless staff comply with his terms. He will announce on Monday whether he is pressing ahead with his threat.
Buzz staff defy Ryanair's deadline | Business | The Guardian
Buzz continued on for another 18 months before being killed off. I wonder would EI last as long under FR's ownership.