Flying Ryanair no cup of tea: Poland flight diverted to Germany {Gadling}

Sep 2nd 2010 1:44PM What an outstanding article!

I always find people's opinion on Ryanair quite funny. On the very same day a safety report was released about a British Airways 777 taking off from the wrong intersection of a runway in the Caribbean, leaving them with just over 1200m to get the ol' bird into the air, nearly killing all on board, the internet is awash with Ryanair bashing articles, such as this one, slating the airline because an elderly passenger spilt her brew.

From reading this article, would it be fair to make the assumption that you would rather the crew had continued to their intended destination with a passenger seeking medical assistance? Had the same situation occurred on Ireland's "Legitimate" carrier (you know, the one with the green shamrock) would you have still written your article in the same manner, or even written it at all?

Ryanair has a gold star when it comes to their safety record and is envied by airlines around the world, operating a fleet of aircraft with an average age of 3 yrs. The training and maintenance departments within the company are held in very high regard and is on par with any other airline in the world.

Almost two years ago, a Ryanair aircraft was on final approach into Rome Ciampino airport. The aircraft suffered a massive bird strike and lost thrust on both engines as a result, very similar to an incident that happened not so long ago in New York which I'm sure you're familiar with. The crew of the Ryanair aircraft managed to land the aircraft safely on the runway and all passengers survived. The same incident in New York resulted in the aircraft touching down in the hudson river. The crews of both aircraft deserved a pat on the back of massive proportions for their actions and for ensuring the safety of their passengers. Yet public perception was that Ryanair has had yet another incident due to poor crew training, badly maintained aircraft etc.. etc.. and yet across the atlantic the crew of said Cactus aircraft are being hailed as heros.

I reckon this argument will go on as long as Ryanair's operations continue to, particularly when a strange minority would rather severe burning to their groin area than a seat on a safe and efficient European airline.

Dan