Ryanair sues over simulator 'snags'

RYANAIR, Europe's second-largest budget airline, is claiming more than £800,000 from the maker of its Boeing 737 flight simulators which it says are riddled with faults.

The airline is taking Wightlea Aircraft Simulation of West Sussex to the High Court after 20 technical complaints, described as 'outstanding snags'. Allegations include components in the simulators 'repeatedly blanking' when pilots practised landing, and a snag in take-off practice registered as 'auto throttle keeps disconnecting on take-off roll'.

Chief executive Michael O'Leary has placed two 100-plus orders for Boeing 737s in the past 18 months. Ryanair's case against Wightlea involves a deal struck in spring 2001, and later amended, under which simulators would be ready for use by spring 2002. A late penalty fee of £2,000 a day was allegedly agreed.

The deal fell apart in August when Ryanair complained that the simulators were still not up to scratch. It is pursuing Wightlea for 409 lost days, or £818,000 in damages. Wightlea denies liability.