Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has hit back at comments from a British government minister, who launched an attack on airlines, including Ryanair, for refusing to take climate change seriously.
In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, junior Environment Minister Ian Pearson branded Ryanair 'the irresponsible face of capitalism' and described Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary as 'completely off the wall' on the issue of climate change. He also criticised British Airways and called the attitude of several American airlines 'a disgrace'.
The Minister was understood to be angry with Mr O'Leary's criticism of an EU carbon trading scheme that could increase ticket prices. But today Mr O'Leary said Ryanair had spent more than $10 billion on buying more fuel-efficient planes which had cut its carbon emissions per seat in half.
He said a recent report had found that the airline industry accounts for only 1.6% of world greenhouse gas emissions. 'It is clear that Mr Pearson hasn't a clue what he's talking about,' said Mr O'Leary.
Speakin on RTE radio this lunchtime Mr O'Leary said Ryanair was investing in new aircraft that would cut emissions by 50%.
