Ryanair and its chief executive Michael O'Leary have publically called on voters in the UK to avoid a Brexit when the country takes to the polls for June's in/out referendum on EU membership.

The airline, which is the UK's largest, says that it will "actively campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote."

Ryanair carries over 35 million customers between the UK and Europe each year - it uses the deregulation of the airline industry as an example of Europe working effectively.

While the company criticises some EU policies, particularly what it says is a "failure" to promote low fare tourism growth, and its role in the delays increasing runway capacity in the area around London.

It says that the UK is in a better position to make changes "from within the EU."

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary commented on the company's stance, "Ryanair is absolutely clear that the UK economy and its future growth prospects are stronger as a member of the European Union than they are outside of the EU," the chief executive said.

"Leaving Europe won’t save the UK money or red tape because like Norway the UK will still have to contribute to Europe, and obey its rules if it wants to continue to trade freely with Europe, so it’s clear that UK voters should vote Yes to Europe and Yes to the reformed Europe, that David Cameron has delivered.

"Ryanair, our people and I hope the vast majority of our customers, will all work together over the coming months to help deliver a resounding Yes vote on June 23rd," the Westmeath man added.