Brussels, 05/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 1 February, the low-cost Irish airline, Ryanair, proposed new concessions in order to obtain European Commission approval for buying out its Aer Lingus competitor, in which it already has a 30% share (see EUROPE 10677). Ryanair is also offering €100 million to the regional British Flybe company if it agrees to take over around 43 Aer Lingus lines. It may also cede 10 Aer Lingus planes and crew to Flybe in exchange for the €100 million if the operation is successful. By introducing these concessions, Ryanair is also subsequently renouncing around €20 million in Aer Lingus profits, which would go to Flybe. The Irish airline is also proposing to give up three slots to British Airways at Heathrow in order to avoid being labelled “anti-competitive” on flights to Ireland. The Commission decision is expected on 9 March and the boss of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, has already said that in the event of the decision going against his company, Ryanair would sell off its share in Aer Lingus. Several analysts, however, believe that this third attempt by Ryanair to take control of Aer Lingus will be successful. Last June, Ryanair proposed to buy up Aer Lingus for €694 million. (FG/transl.fl)