Ryanair to sue Channel 4 after 'Dispatches' documentary airs
Ryanair is set to sue Channel 4 over last night's 'Dispatches' programme.
'Secrets from the Cockpit' featured anonymous Ryanair pilots raising concerns over fuel policies - which they claim put passengers at risk.
The Irish airline has been quick to respond - accusing European pilot unions of smearing the airline in their campaign to unionise it.
The 'Dispatches' programme aired last night which contained interviews with anonymous Ryanair pilots about the airline's fuel policy.
The expose also used a survey by the Ryanair Pilot Group - which says it encompasses all pilots working for Ryanair - though Michael O'Leary has refused to recognise it.
According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of Ryanair pilots have concerns about work practices and safety - but they don't feel they can speak up.
Before the show was even over, Ryanair issued with a statement saying it intends to sue Channel 4 for defamation.
It says the 'Dispatches' programme was unfair, unbalanced and inaccurate, describing it as an attempt by European pilot unions and its competitors to denigrate or smear Ryanair.
Michael O'Leary says he offered to do an unedited interview with 'Dispatches', but the show declined.
Ryanair claims it also requested that an unedited response be broadcast, but to no avail.
Citing a recent Irish Aviation Authority statement that Ryanair's safety is on par with the safest airlines in Europe, the carrier said it would see Channel 4 in court.
