Ryanair denies buzz tie-up
Ryanair has refuted suggestions in the Dutch press that it is considering collaborating with KLM-owned budget carrier buzz.
Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad reported over the weekend that KLM was hoping to set up a codeshare agreement between buzz and Ryanair, citing unnamed sources within KLM.
But Ryanair said today it was simply co-operating with other budget airlines, including easyJet and buzz, ‘on a number of common issues of interest to European consumers, such as fixed EU compensation penalties and the CAA review of NATS’ price increases.’
KLM, meanwhile, confirmed it was seeking a tie-up for buzz. Bart Koster, KLM spokesman, declined to comment specifically on the Algemeen Dagblad report, but told the Associated Press: ‘The only thing I can say is that KLM is in talks with several prospective partners for buzz. We are looking at three types of partnerships: financial backers, other no-frills airlines and partners who can complement buzz either in terms of airports or fleet for example.’