Sir Richard Branson recently stated that Ryanair and EasyJet are freaking out at the thought of Britain’s exit from the EU would cause their flight prices to go up. Branson himself is an advocate for remaining in the EU, but he says it’s nothing to do with aviation, as far as he is concerned, it’s all about business for Britain.
He believes if they do withdraw, it will affect potential business, and make Britain less attractive to other countries that would like to do business with them.
EasyJet chairman Carolyn McCall on the other hand warned that an exit from the EU could cause rates to jump and once again become an arena for the wealthy that can afford travel. She says, the access to their E routes could change, as well as the costs that they may incur as they negotiate rates for airspace, etc. It is her belief that how much you pay for holidays, really depends on how much influence Britain has in Europe.
A Ryanair spokesman pshawed Branson’s finding, saying he isn’t worried about the UK leaving the EU, as his company is registered in Ireland which is already part of the EU, so in essence his business will not be affected much by the change, if there is one.
Even though this is the case, he does feel it is better for business all around if the UK stays in the EU. But for him it has more to do with regular business, than any concerns over his airline losing routes or being profoundly affected by the change.
Being business rivals, you shouldn’t be surprised that they can’t seem to agree on this matter. The possibility of Britain living the E.U has got many UK business moguls worried and these airline bosses are not an exception.
