The Independent has apologised to Ryanair over a story from 7 August headlined “Low-fuel flights put lives at risk”.
The article claimed that the budget airline “restricted the amount of fuel [their aircraft carry] to the legal minimum’.
According to a statement agreed between the two parties and read out this morning at the High Court: “In fact, Ryanair pilots are permitted to carry as much extra fuel, over and above the flight plan fuel (which already includes extra fuel), as they consider necessary.”
The Independent repeated at earlier published apology for the article.
Ryanair solicitor Paul Tweed said: “Ryanair appreciates the Independent’s detailed and comprehensive statement setting the record straight before the High Court this morning, in conjunction with the apology published by the newspaper on an earlier date.
“The Independent’s acknowledgement of Ryanair’s 29-year safety record and their safety standards being on a par with the safest in Europe, follows other statements issued by theBelfast Telegraph, Irish Independent, Irish Daily Mail, Mail Online and The Mirror.”
However he added that the airline will continue to “vigorously” pursue an outstanding libel action brought against Blakeway/Channel 4 over claims made in an edition of Dispatches.
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