Ryanair today lodged its appeal against the European Commission's decision to block the airline's proposed acquisition of Aer Lingus.
The low fares carrier submitted its papers to the European Court of First Instance (CFI) in Luxembourg against what it claimed was the EU Commission's unlawful and politically motivated decision to prohibit its buyout of Aer Lingus.
Just days after the former state flag carrier was floated last October Ryanair made an offer of €2.80 per share.
However, the airline was required to seek approval for clearance of the deal from the European Commission which - following an eight month investigation - blocked the takeover.
Ryanair, which currently owns a 29.4 per cent stake in Aer Lingus, maintains the move would have reduced Aer Lingus fares, saved on fuel surcharges, given passengers a choice of services, and retained Aer Lingus' profitable routes, including the controversial Shannon-Heathrow service.
"We have filed our appeal with the CFI today asking them to overturn the Commission's unlawful and politically motivated decision to block Ryanair's merger with Aer Lingus," said Ryanair's Head of Regulatory Affairs, Jim Callaghan.
"This merger, which accounts for less than 5 per cent of the EU air transport market, was clearly pro-competition and would have been the first merger in history to guarantee fare reductions, which would have saved European consumers more then €100m."
"We are confident the CFI will overturn this decision in the interests of consumers and the competitiveness of the industry."
Meanwhile, talks between Aer Lingus pilots and management over the airline's contentious plan to offer less favourable terms and conditions to new pilots in Belfast will resume on Wednesday.