Regional airline Flybe has rebutted claims it is receiving special treatment on its air passenger duty after a growing backlash from rivals over its government rescue package. “This agreement will only last a matter of months before all taxes and duties are paid in full,” Flybe said. “We are in conversation with the government around a financial loan – a loan, not a bailout – a commercial loan, but that is the same as any loan we’d take from any bank,” he said. The airline, which on Tuesday secured a multi-prong rescue package from the government, issued the statement after growing criticism from rival carriers. On Thursday, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary threatened to sue the UK government over its rescue deal for Flybe.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2020 07:52 UTC