Airline passenger news and views

Budget airline Ryanair has launched the "The Girls of Ryanair" calendar featuring female flight attendants in swimwear and lingerie.

The money raised with the calendars will go to DEBRA, a charity chosen by Ryanair from nearly 400 applicants, which provides support for patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic skin condition.

DEBRA'S Chief Executive, Jimmy Fearon, said: "Ryanair's 2012 Cabin Crew Calendar donation will help us to deliver a once in a lifetime opportunity for 50 families to enjoy a holiday, with professional care and assistance on hand to allow parents and children time to rest and enjoy their precious time together."

The £8.50 calendar can be purchased on board Ryanair flights, from DEBRA's charity shops in Spain and Ireland, or on the airline's website. DEBRA will enable families from throughout Europe, with children who suffer from the debilitating EB, to enjoy a respite week in DEBRA's specially adapted holiday accommodation in Malaga, Spain.

"Every year 10,000 copies of the Ryanair cabin crew charity calendar sell out quickly so those who want to help DEBRA bring a smile to the face of inspirational children can buy 2012's sexiest calendar onboard Ryanair flights, on Ryanair.com or from DEBRA shops in Ireland and Spain," said Ryanair's Stephen McNamara.

Last year's calendar raised money was donated to the German charity Tafel. In 2009, cash was raised for the British charity KIDS.

Coming from Ryanair you would expect to hear some criticism. Indeed, the publication of the 2009 calendar led to Labour MEP Mary Honeyball accusing Ryanair of "sexualising" the airline industry and dubbed the calendar "a desperate bid for profits."

Michael O'Leary, the airline's chief executive, answered by describing Ms Honeyball as "anti-fun", and then sent her his own copy of the calendar.