Ryanair, the low-cost airline carrier that has served the European continent for many years, has earned itself a reputation that is part efficient and part infamous thanks to their eccentric business proposals released in the past(attempting to operate flights where passengers would be standing being one of them). However, their recent announcement looks to improve both that reputation and their travel outreach.
In a press statement released today, the Dublin-based carrier announced plans to fly to fourteen more cities in their network, including cities in the United States. The plans would include transatlantic travel from their hubs at London-Stansted and Dublin airports to New York City, Boston, Chicago and Miami. Given that the average one-way fares for their flights clock in at US$21, this could be a tremendous move even if fares would have to be increased in relativity to the distance of these routes. The company’s board has already given the green light to such a plan according to the statement. “European consumers want lower-cost travel to the USA and the same for Americans coming to Europe,’ the statement went on to express. “We see it as a logical development in the European market.” It’s been no secret that owner Michael O’Leary has been an avid fan of the airline’s expansion to include the U.S., and while there have been plans discussed for such a move in the past, there wasn’t any definitive initiative that could be agreed upon. Ryanair would first have to look about adding a number of long-haul aircraft to their current fleet. The company currently flies Boeing 737-800’s, which are more suited for shorter flight distances. A spokesman for Ryanair has confirmed to local newspapers that talks with aircraft manufacturers have already begun.
The move by Ryanair comes just as budget airlines are beginning the arduous task of carving a niche out for themselves in the transatlantic airline market, currently dominated by carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates. For instance, Norwegian is now offering discounted rates from New York City to Europe – but it all depends on the dates you book your flights and the time in between. Ryanair’s press statement also announced a new seasonal schedule with 1,600 routes available.
