KLM quiet on Ryanair co-operation reports

[Mystere IV A]

Dutch carrier KLM is refusing to single out Irish low cost carrier Ryanair as a potential partner for its own budget operation Buzz, amid local newspaper speculation linking the two operators.
Late last year the Dutch company said Buzz chief Floris van Pallandt was beginning talks with potential partners for the London Stansted-based airline. The carrier is evaluating co-operation options in a bid to expand the development of Buzz.
KLM is not commenting, however, on a local newspaper report suggesting the carrier is interested in a co-operation deal with Ryanair.
A spokesman for the carrier will only reiterate that the company is looking at three potential types of partner: a low cost airline, a financial investor or an airline-related company, such as an airport or handling company, that has assets useful to Buzz.
Last year easyJet acquired Go in the first sign of consolidation within the UK budget airline industry.

Fly High :windsock:
:pilot_2:

[GB737]

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.’