RYANAIR will list its flights with longrunning travel agent adversary On the Beach (OTB), despite a history of disputes and legal skirmishes.

In a statement on the London Stock Exchange, On the Beach said the agreement represented a "transformational shift" in its relationship with the low-cost carrier.

OTB customers can now access the Irish airline's low-fare flights as part of their holiday packages, alongside the company's flexible payment plans, customer perks and ATOL protection.

It comes after three deals between Ryanair and online travel agents (OTAs) in recent months, which represent a turning point in its relationship with companies it has previously described as "pirates"

and accused of misleading customers by marking up flight prices.

Airlines generally prefer passengers booking directly so they can charge for add-on fees and in-flight offers.

In December, a number of OTAs delisted Ryanair flights from their websites, forcing it to reduce fares and warn of empty seats.

Ryanair and On the Beach's spats have been taken as far as the High Court. In October, the Manchester-based firm successfully sued the airline for £2m over failures to refund package holidays from Covid-19 times.

Shaun Morton, On the Beach Group chief executive, said: "We are excited to have entered into this transformational partnership with Ryanair. This will improve the booking and travel experience for our customers selecting Ryanair flights."

(c) 2024 City A.M., source Newspaper