Ryanair in talks to revive assistance fund

Ryanair have held talks with Scottish Enterprise in an effort to bring back a fund which supported direct flights in and out of Scotland. Up to two years ago Scotland operated a Route Development fund (RDF) which gave cash to airlines to open up routes which would have been otherwise deemed uneconomic. The scheme was scrapped after the EU ruled it illegal. Scottish Enterprise has now examined the decision of the European Court of First Instance which last December ruled in Ryanair's favour in the infamous "is-it-or-is-it-not-state-aid-case" in relation to Charleroi.  

Scottish Enterprise is evaluating if it can bring back the scheme in light of the decision. Ryanair claim that although route growth is happening in Scotland it is not happening as fast as it would were grant aid available.

Posted 090430