Ryanair 2005 Annual Report Download - page 32

Environmental (continued)
Ryanair’s Policy on Noise and Emissions (continued)
Furthermore, by moving to an all Boeing 737-800 “next
generation” fleet we are reducing the unit emissions per
passenger due to the inherent capacity increase in the 737-
800 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 “next generation” aircraft
has a vastly superior fuel burn to passenger mile ratio than
the 737-200 aircraft.
Ryanair also has distinctive operational characteristics
which further reduce environmental impacts;
•No late night departures of aircraft which reduces noise
emissions.
•Reducing the per passenger emissions through higher load
factors
•Operating fuel efficient Boeing 737-800 “next generation”
aircraft thereby reducing fuel usage per seat by more than
45%.
•Better utilisation of existing infrastructure by operating
out of under-utilised airports throughout Europe.
Fuel tax/emissions levy/ emissions trading
Ryanair is fundamentally opposed to the introduction of any
fuel tax, emissions levy and/or emissions trading scheme.
Ryanair continues, to offer the lowest fares in Europe, to
make air travel affordable and accessible to European
consumers. Ryanair believes that the imposition of a tax on
fuel or emissions, or of an emissions trading scheme will not
only increase airfares, but will discourage new entrants into
the market resulting in less choice for consumers. This will
have adverse effects on the European economy generally. As
a company we believe in free market competition and believe
that the proposed imposition of any of the above measures
would enable the flag carriers achieve their objectives of
reducing competition, and would also limit expansion and
create a further barrier to entry into the market. This would
benefit the traditional flag carriers of the European Union
who have smaller aircraft, lower load factors, have a much
higher fuel burn per passenger and who operate into already
inefficient, congested airports.
Furthermore any of the above measures introduced only at
an EU level would be discriminatory against airlines
operating exclusively within the EU. Any measures in this
area must be taken at the international level to prevent
discrimination and distortion of competition.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The board of Ryanair in January 2004 adopted a Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics. The code sets out the business
principles to be adopted by the company and it’s employees.
In addition to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics the
employees are also bound by the business principles
contained in their terms and conditions of employment.
The Management of the company are responsible to the
board for ensuring adherence to the code. The code is
reviewed annually and any amendments to the code must be
approved by the audit committee on behalf of the board.
The code governs all aspects of the way the company
conducts it’s business including, matters relating to conduct
in the work environment, business activities, conflicts of
interest and compliance with laws and regulations. The code
also provides for confidential reporting procedures for
employees and all employees must comply with the code.
(Continued)
Social, Environmental and Ethical report
22
ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2005