One of the most important elements which has never been highlighted in most Ryanair analysis is the importance of subsidies in Ryanair business model.

Indeed, most analysts describe Ryanair as the most successful airline in the last twenty years. It is true that Ryanair is the fastest growing airline in Europe: since 2004, the Irish low cost airline more than doubled its number of passengers, from 33m up to 73m, expected this year.

However, what such analysts have failed to point out is just how the airline achieved such ongoing success. Journalists who work on Ryanair case usually only focused on few elements of its business, but they mainly fail to analyse entire Ryanair business model.

Flybe is celebrating being rated the top UK airline in a poll conducted by consumer Watchdog Which? Holiday. Flybe topped the charts for UK short-haul airlines trumping the likes of British Airways, BMI and Easyjet as well as Ryanair.

The survey, conducted using a sample of 5,745 people, rated airlines on areas including; cabin staff, cleanliness, seating arrangements, leg room, cabin baggage allowance, checked bags allowance, dealing with delays and value for money.

Tiger Airways already fly from Singapore to Guangzhou, Haikou, Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen, and these routes are very popular.

To help them decide which new Greater China destination to fly to next, WhichBudget and Tiger Airways want your opinion.

Flybe just sent us this email:

We know it’s been a tough time for all air travellers over the last few weeks, and we thank you for your patience in these unprecedented times. However we have some breaking news that not only is a first amongst UK airlines but is wonderful news for any of you wondering whether you might be affected in the future.

We can confirm that with immediate effect Flybe will be the first airline in the UK to be able to fly within the new CAA-approved safe levels of volcanic ash.