Ryanair to appeal French court’s ruling

Ryanair intends to appeal a ruling from a French court due today that is expected to go against the airline.

Earlier this year, French prosecutors asked a court in Aix-en-Provence in the south of the country to fine Ryanair for breaches of the country’s labour laws. It had been employing locally-based staff on flights to and from Marseille on Irish contracts.

The airline confirmed yesterday that it expects a “negative ruling and a fine” when the court hands down its verdict today.

"Ryanair confirms that it will appeal any such negative ruling and any attempt by the French authorities to seek payment of social insurance payments which have already been paid in full in Ireland, " it added.

In its statement, the company said that it expects the ruling will be based on a French decree introduced after it opened its base in Marseille. Rival Easyjet has already incurred fines and back penalties, of €1.6 million under the same law while Cityjet was ordered to pay €1 million.

Ryanair argues that the crew operating its flights in and out of Marseille worked for an airline whose registered office is in the Republic of Ireland and they spent their working day on Irish-registered craft.

“Ryanair crews were correctly working under Irish contracts of employment and paying Irish social insurance in accordance with the applicable European employment and social security laws,” it said yesterday.