Ryanair has ruled itself out of the running as a possible bidder for Virgin Atlantic.
The European low fares giant dismissed rumours that it might bid for Virgin after Sir Richard Branson’s carrier started considering possible partnership options.
Ryanair said it had received a number of calls from analysts and media linking it with Virgin Atlantic as speculation builds about a re-organisation at the long haul carrier.
“While Ryanair is interested in a low fares transatlantic service it has no intention of bidding for a high fares airline,” a statement said.
A spokesman added: “In business as in life Virgin will have many pursuers but Ryanair will not be one of them.
“While Ryanair has a long stated plan to enter the transatlantic market with a revolutionary really low fares service we are too busy screwing Air France, BA and Lufthansa to waste time on a high fare Virgin.”